By Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah

PASIR MAS: Seputeh member of parliament Teresa Kok should not have expected red-carpet treatment in detention under the Internal Security Act, Independent Pasir Mas MP Datuk Ibrahim Ali said yesterday.

He accused her of going overboard in claiming that the food served to her was fit for dogs.

The 57-year-old Ibrahim, a former Umno strongman who had been detained twice under the ISA, said Kok should not expect to be given special treatment because she was a member of parliament.

"Her statement shocked me. I was under ISA detention in 1974 and 1987 and in there for a longer period (than Kok).

"I was only given rice and fish without gravy and sometimes only plain water. I had to eat the same food throughout my detention but I knew not to complain as I understood the situation," he said after giving Hari Raya donations to 27 orphaned students at SM Teknik Pasir Mas in Bunut Susu on Sunday. He was commenting on Kok's claim that she was given food fit for dogs.

Ibrahim accused her of using her detention to gain "cheap publicity".

On the ISA, he said it was still necessary in view of the situation in the country and the threat from terrorists and drug traffickers.

"We still need the ISA even though it is contrary to human rights. We must consider the need to sacrifice our personal freedom for the sake of peace in the country."

He also criticised the wide media coverage on ISA detainees as it might create tension in the country.