I wish to comment on the letter Review policy on terrorism .

I agree that there is an overzealous use of preventive detention laws when it comes to ‘fighting terrorism’. I don't even know what defines terrorism nowadays.

Israel bombs Lebanon and kills 1,300 civilians and this is not called terrorism. Israel boards an aid flotilla destined to bring food and medicine to Gaza and kills nine civilians but this is not called terrorism.

So what actually is the definition of ‘terrorism’?

If we Malaysians cannot decide what constitutes terrorism, then we are not really independent. What is the point of having National Day celebrations this Aug 31 if we are only partially merdeka ?

I detest wholeheartedly the use of the ISA to detain without trial anyone on suspicion of terrorism or whatever crime they are accused of. The ISA. is a law inherited by us from our former colonial masters.

If we are merdeka , we should do away with such laws that were created to oppress and intimidate us into obedience and subservience. Why do we still need such laws?

If people are accused of something, charge them in an open court. The people of Malaysia deserve to know the truth.

What if those people being detained under the ISA were innocent? We would be responsible for a grave injustice for which there would be no remedy.

As we approach our 53 ^rd year of independence, we Malaysians need to ask ourselves, do we really need the ISA anymore?

Even the US is closing down Guantanamo Bay because President Obama is firm in his belief that jailing and holding people without a charge is against human rights.

So what is the Malaysian government's excuse for not repealing this archaic law known as the ISA?