The arrest of the Sin Chew reporter under ISA baffles me. It is clear that Ahmad Ismail uttered racist comments and what the reporter merely did was to report them as it happened. To date, Ahmad Ismail has not clearly clarified how he was misquoted apart from saying that it was historical facts. He remains defiant and at times taunting both the Chinese community and the Government. He remains free from ISA.

The entire community of journalists should condemn this action. This barbaric resolve equates us to the authoritarian Myanmarese junta. Reasons for arrest is purportedly for security and peace. Yes, but for whom?

What has the Sin Chew reporter done wrong? When did reporting a ‘crime’ became a threat to national security? Why is Ahmad Ismail still free when he clearly is the source of this controversy and in my opinion, poses more of a threat to national security. He remains influential and is free to hold advisory positions within UMNO. In 3 years, he will be back to active politics.

Ahmad Ismail sowed seeds of doubt about the citizenship and loyalty of the Chinese to his predominantly Malay audience. The intention of bringing up historical facts of the Chinese immigration to Malaysia is enough circumstantial evidence to support the fact that he intended to instill spite among the Malays.

Ahmad Ismail fits the profile of one that should be sitting in the Kamunting Detention Camp.

What has Tan Choon Heng, the Sin Chew journalist done wrong? In my eyes, nothing. She was merely doing her job. Ahmad Ismail did not deny uttering the said remarks. He should have apologized that it was open to misinterpretation. Instead his reactions clearly suggest malicious intent.

It is absurd!