About 40 opposition MPs today marched to Bukit Aman police headquarters to demand the release of Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah who is detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

They also demanded police cease harassment of MPs and whistleblowers, for Sosma to be repealed and for the protection of MPs rights to speak in Parliament.

They marched from the Parliament gates to Bukit Aman, while chanting 'Bebaskan Maria' (Free Maria), 'Hentikan Sosma' (End Sosma) and 'Hidup Bersih' (Long live Bersih).

Among those who marched included Semporna MP and Parti Warisan Sabah president Shafie Apdal and Pagoh MP and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Muhyiddin Yassin.

Others included opposition leader and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, PKR's Batu MP Tian Chua, DAP's Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, DAP's Gelang Patah MP Lim Kit Siang, PAS' Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar, Amanah's Sepang MP Hanipa Maidin and Amanah's Kota Raja MP Dr Siti Maria Mahmud.

Bersih secretariat member Mandeep Singh also marched alongside the MPs.

They also carried placards and banners which condemned the abuse of Sosma and called for MPs' immunity to be upheld.

Their memorandum was accepted by police corporate communications representative Noor Azman Yusuf.

Maria was arrested on Friday, the eve of the mega Bersih 5 rally, at her office in Petaling Jaya.

Bersih was before this investigated under Section 124C of the Penal Code for activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy, over receiving funding from American billionaire Geoge Soros-linked Open Society Foundations.

Maria can be held for 28 days without court approval.

Her son Azumin Yunos said Maria is held in solitary confinement in a windowless cell without basic amenities like a bed. The light is also never switched off.

Earlier former cabinet ministers Muhyiddin, Shafie and Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah were hauled up by police for questioning in investigations that they breached the Official Secrets Act in their speeches in Parliament on 1MDB.

Ahmad Husni, who is former finance minister II, is BN's Tambun MP.

In memorandum, MPs say Sosma has been abused

PKR parliamentary whip Johari Abdul said the MPs marched to Bukit Aman to express dissatisfaction over the various police action.

In their memorandum, the MPs said Sosma has been abused as the law is meant to curb terrorism.

“We urge Maria Chin Abdullah be released without condition,” Johari said.

The MPs also condemned the arrests of MPs including PKR’s Batu MP Tian Chua and PKR’s Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin in the Bersih swoop. Both have been released.

A total 22 people were arrested in relation to the Bersih 5 rally and red-shirts counter-rally on Nov 19.

They include elected representatives, student activists, politicians and protesters.

Most have been released.