Inspector-general of police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar has brushed off claims that Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah had been abused while at a police detention centre.

He said the windowless cell provided for Maria, who is being detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), was in accordance with the rules and regulations.

"(Why) windowless cell? Well, we don't provide hotel for the detainees, we don't provide a room like hotel facilities to a detainee," he told a press conference at Bukit Aman today.

"I have said whatever accorded to her is in accordance with lock-up rules, the Prison Act and all the standard operating procedures (SOP), according to international standards.

"There are SOPs, rules and procedures (for us) to adhere to," he added.

He stressed that there was definitely no question of Maria being abused.

"I will personally make sure that there will be no abuse," said Khalid.

He was only willing to reveal that Maria was currently detained at a "remand centre".

Maria was arrested on the eve of the Nov 19 Bersih 5 rally that saw 40,000 march through Kuala Lumpur to demand good governance and clean elections.

She was being probed under Section 124(c) of the Penal Code for being involved in activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

Khalid had previously said Sosma was imposed on Maria to combat Open Society Foundations' (OSF) attempt to purportedly topple the government.

Khalid, however declined to show the proof which might link to Maria's involvement in the relevant wrongdoing.

"I know some parties are asking us to show whatever proof we have. No, that is not the way it works," he said.

When asked if the police was going to detain Maria for the full 28 days stipulated under Sosma, he said,"It depends on our investigation."

Khalid also blamed the media for being responsible in creating negative perception against the cops in its way of handling Maria's case.

"Sometimes media like you are creating all these negative perception because you paint a picture as though we are doing something which is not right," he said.

"But, whatever we do is within the ambit of the law," he stressed.

He was asked about the public perception on police dealing with Maria's case as a woman and a mother being held behind bars by the government.