Today OSA. Tomorrow?

Here's why we should be worried:

July 14, 2007 17:43 PM

JITRA, July 14 (Bernama) -- Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharom who himself was slandered on the Internet that he had taken bribes, wants the Police to initiate investigations to trace writers spreading lies through websites. He said that he had instructed the Police's Commercial Crimes Investigation Department (CCID) to undertake the investigations and bring the culprits to book. "Now all kinds of slander about the nation's leaders are being spread through the Internet. The Police must act to prevent them from tarnishing the image of the country," he told reporters after the opening of the delegates meetings of the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings of Kubang Pasu Umno here today. Umno Information Chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib graced the function. On Wednesday, Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail ordered the Anti-Corruption Agency to close investigations into the bribery allegations against Johari as there was no evidence to link him to accusations that he had received RM5 million to release several suspected criminals who had been held under the Emergency Ordinance 1969. The investigations were initiated after the allegations against him were posted on an anonymous website. Johari, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kubang Pasu and the head of its Umno division, said he thanked God that the truth had prevailed and was relieved the episode was over. He said now he could fully concentrate on his government duties and also prepare for the upcoming general election. "I also received many SMSes (on the short-messaging-service) from Kubang Pasu Umno members voicing their support for me. It gave me added strength to weather the challenging period (corruption allegations) in my life," he added.

Not because Johari was cleared of allegations of corruption.
But that he was the one who instructed the police (commercial crimes investigation department) to nab Nathaniel Tan.
As you already know, they threw the OSA book at Nathaniel.
What next?
Indeed, this is worrying. I'd go so far as to say that it is alarming.

Also, read this bru. Rocky wants bloggers to stand their ground and he has his take on the OSA here.
And lawyer/human rights activist Malik Imtiaz tells you why the government must take immediate steps to ensure that Nat is immediately released.
Read it in his blog Disquiet.