KUALA LUMPUR: Thirteen Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees were freed on Sunday morning in one of new prime minister Datuk Seri Najib's first action.

Among those released (with conditions) were Hindraf leaders R. Kengadharan and V. Ganabatirau who were held under the ISA in late 2007. Others include seven members of Darul Islam Sabah, one from Jemaah Islamiyah and three foreigners who detained for alleged documents forgery.

Opposition members believe the gesture is merely an election ploy to help BN improve its chances in the Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau by-elections on Tuesday.

Of course it is BN's ploy and I have a feeling the PM was itching to do this asap. It further makes Badawi (previous PM) look bad, as if he could look any worse! PM has nothing to lose. After all the ISA "revolving door" is always open and one wrong move and freedom is gone.