Malaysia's apex court rejects Hindraf leaders' appeals

Putrajaya, Apr. 17 (ANI): Malaysia's apex court has dismissed the appeal of three Hindu Rights Action Force leaders who expected to be released this time.

"M. Manoharan, 48, P. Uthayakumar, 47, and K. Vasantha Kumar, 36, will remain at the Kamunting detention centre until December 13," the Federal Court said while rejecting their appeal against the home minister's two-year order for the second time.

Judge Nik Hashim Nik Abdul Rahman, however, said the court would deliver the grounds of the unanimous judgment later, the New Strait Times reports.

Hindraf leaders' first habeas corpus application was dismissed by a Kuala Lumpur High Court and affirmed by the Federal Court in May 2008.

All the leaders were detained under the Internal Security Act for two years on December 13, 2007, for alleged involvement in organizing a street protest in Kuala Lumpur and making inflammatory remarks against the government.

In the second joint habeas corpus application, they challenged the validity of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's order on grounds of procedural non-compliance by the Advisory Board.heir lawyer told reporters that he regretted that the Federal Court did not provide the grounds of judgment despite adjourning the matter on March 11 for decision.

"Apex court judges must set an example to their subordinates by providing written grounds when delivering judgment," trio's council Karpal Singh said.

The High Court, lawyers and the senior federal counsel wanted to know the legal position taken by the apex court on habeas corpus appeals, he added.

Meanwhile, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur yesterday dismissed another habeas corpus application by Uthayakumar when it allowed a preliminary objection by Senior Federal Counsel Najib Zakaria. (ANI)