KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) welcomes the release of blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin today from his Internal Security Act (ISA) detention, which the Shah Alam High Court ruled as illegal.

In a statement here, the commission said it respected the integrity and impartiality of the court in handling the case which also proved the court's positive view in protecting human rights.

"Based on this decision, SUHAKAM further suggests that perhaps it is most appropriate if the respective ministry could determine all cases alike and release ISA detainees," it added.

SUHAKAM also reiterated its stance that the ISA should be repealed and the detainees be released and tried in a court of law.

Raja Petra, 58, the editor of the Malaysia Today website, had named the home minister as the defendent in a habeas corpus application which sought his immediate release, and an order that his detention under the ISA was unlawful. (Bernama)