How was the ISA used during the 1987 Ops Lalang crackdown?

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The Internal Security Act (ISA) was used in the 1987 Ops Lalang crackdown to detain over one hundred Malaysians, including politicians, without trial for extended periods.

During the 1987 Ops Lalang, the Malaysian government employed the Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960 to conduct a significant crackdown. This operation resulted in the arrest and detention of more than one hundred individuals, encompassing various political figures and members of civil society. The detentions were carried out without trial, with many individuals held for durations ranging from several months to years.
Mass Arrests and Detentions Without Trial

Ops Lalang, executed under the ISA, led to a widespread operation against individuals deemed a threat to national stability. The primary characteristic of these detentions was their non-judicial nature; those arrested were held without undergoing formal court proceedings. This approach allowed for prolonged incarceration, as seen with many detainees being held for extended periods.
Political Opponents Targeted

While the ISA was initially intended to address threats to the nation, its application during Ops Lalang saw it used against political opponents. This period, under Dr Mahathir Mohamad's premiership, involved the detention of individuals whose political activities were seen as challenging the established government. The original intent of the ISA, to safeguard against threats to the community, was thus broadened to include political dissent.
Extended Periods of Incarceration

The impact of the ISA during Ops Lalang was further exemplified by the duration of the detentions. Many of the individuals arrested were not released after a short period but were held for months, and in some cases, for several years. This lengthy detention without trial underscores the severity of the crackdown and its implications for the civil liberties of those affected.

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How was the ISA used during the 1987 Ops Lalang crackdown?

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