Twenty hours after being picked up by the police, university student Mohd Azan Safar, who is a leader in Gabungan Mahasiswa Islam Malaysia (Gamis) and the NGO, Turun in protest at the price hikes, was finally released from the Dang Wangi police station.

Azan, in a text message to Malaysiakini, said he was released at 7pm.

Earlier today, it was reported that Azan (left) was picked up just before midnight yesterday, under the Peaceful Assembly Act, as he was having his supper in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur.

When contacted by Malaysiakini , Azan, 24, said he was taken to the Dang Wangi police station last night for the authorities to obtain a remand order.

“I hope there is solidarity in support of this cause. The struggle (to protest against the price hikes) will not end here,” he said in a text message.

It is learnt that a remand order is being obtained against him today to assist in police investigations into the move to hold a massive New Year's Eve protest against the expected hikes in the costs of consumer goods and services, including the electricity tariff.

However, during the remand proceedings, the KL magistrate rejected the police application to remand Azan for seven days.

Ahmad Zamri Asa’ad Khuzaimi, one of Azan’s three lawyers, informed reporters at 12.30pm that the university student would be released by 11 tonight.

“The police made the application for remand, as they said more will be arrested. However, this was rejected by the magistrate as she found there is no need for further detention,” said the lawyer.

“Should the police decide to charge Azan, we will defend him,” said the lawyer.

Police have classified the case under Section 9 (5) of the PAA and also Section 124C of the Penal Code for attempt to commit activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

Earlier protest on Dec 11

flash mob against price hike 221213 sogo 01 Gamis and Turun held a protest against the impending price hikes on the people outside the Sogo shopping complex in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 11.

Another NGO, Solidarity Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM), has criticised the authorities for arresting Azan without a valid reason.

SAMM's national coordinator, Sheikh Yaser Abd Rahman, has also questioned the arrest.

“Can't he be summoned to the police station to give information?” Sheikh Yaser asked.

“SAMM asks for Azan's immediate release and we want the authorities, namely the police, not to be duped by provocations by the BN.

“The authorities should be rational in making a decision and not follow BN's directives as the people are being upset,” he said in a statement.

Sheikh Yaser added that Azan's arrest would not deter them from protesting against the proposed price hikes on New Year's Eve.

In a Facebook post today, the police said efforts are being made to trace more individuals who are urging people to attend the rally.