The police showed up unexpectedly in Parliament today to record statements from Pakatan Rakyat parliamentarians.

An assistant superintendent of police from Selangor police contingent headquarters was seen taking statements from Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) and Mohd Firdaus Jaafar (PAS-Jerai) at the MPs' lounge.

"I was informed by the police late yesterday afternoon that they wanted to record my statement based on my speech given in Sabak Bernam on June 17 under the Jelajah Selangor Programme (Jelas)," Azmin told reporters when approached at the Parliament lobby.

NONE According to Azmin ( right ), they were investigating him for "allegedly inviting" the public to join in election watchdog Bersih 2.0's rally on July 9 at the ceramah held two weeks ago.

He said that they had struck up an agreement to fix another date to record the statement over the phone.

"But I was quite surprised that suddenly they are already here in the Parliament lobby and they sent an SMS to me that they are here and wanted to record my statement without giving any prior notice."

However, Azmin said as a formal notice to record his statement was not served, he decided to remain mum.

"Under Section 112 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) I have the right to remain silent," he said, adding that he was questioned for about 30 minutes.

Nationwide crackdown

The police begin a nationwide crackdown last week in an attempt to hamper the promotion of the rally.

Since the first arrest last Wednesday, the police have so far arrested 81 people - a number that is expected to rise as Bersih intensifies its campaign in the last two weeks before the protest.

Azmin, however, said he does not recall "inviting" the public to participate but stressed on the crucial need for reform in election laws.

He added that the EC's admission of phantom voters registered to vote from his mother's address was enough to show that elections are "not fair".

On the other hand, Mohd Firdaus said that he willingly gave his statement to the cops this morning as his party is in support of the Bersih rally.

"It was decided at the muktamar (annual general gathering) so I told them (the police) whatever they wanted to know, we support Bersih's cause," he said.

Mohd Firdaus was been quizzed for his political ceramahs in Sungai Besar and Kuala Selangor held earlier this month.

"They called me and told me that they needed to record my statement and I told them to come to Parliament. I was prepared and my lawyer was with me, so I just told them what they needed to know," he added.

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