The son of prominent veteran actress Azean Irdawaty, Khaeryll Benjamin Ibrahim @ Benjy has been denied legal access after being detained under the Section 3 of Dangerous Drugs Act (Special Preventive Measures) 1985 (DDA).

Previously, Benjy was denied legal assistantance when he was detained under Section 39B Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, with the authorities stating that legal access is not applicable in this case.

Benjy was re-arrested just minutes after being freed on bail of RM2,000 with one surety for alleged drug possession.

No grounds were given as why he was arrested under the Section 3, which allows for detention without trial for 60 days.

In a memorandum submitted today by Suaram, the Human Rights Commision of Malaysia Suhakam has been urged to take immediate action against the re-arrest.

Suaram coordinator E Nalini had condemned the re-arrest, stating that access to lawyers should be provided to anyone upon arrest according to Article 5 of the Federal Constitution and Section 28A of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Suaram has asked Suhakam to pressure the police and the government to allow the family members to meet Benjy.

Benjy had only been allowed to meet his family members for brief moments, in two different days before the arrest under DDA.

The human rights organisation, had also demanded that Suhakam have a dialogue session with the government and the police regarding the issue of legal access to any detainee under the Internal Security Act 1960, Emergency Ordinance 1969 and the Dangerous Drugs Act (Special Preventive Measures) 1985.

Nalini has suggested that Suhakam bring these serious human rights issues to the international level.

Unable to control her tears, Azean said: " I hardly have money now as it has been used to treat my stage four cancer and I had difficulties to bail him out recently."

"Please help me to save my son for I am missing him so very much" she pleaded.

amer hamzah arshad interview 261005 up close Benjy's lawyer, Amer Hamzah Arshad (left) who was also present, said: "We will file a habeas corpus over the unlawful detention to secure the immediate release of Benjy."

If found guilty, the Home Ministry can issue a restriction order to Benjy and he can be detained under the Restricted Residence Act 1933.

The actor is currently being held at the Bukit Jalil remand centre.

Arrest condemned

NONE Suhakam commissioner N Siva Subramaniam (right) said: " I strongly condemn any arrest under the suppressive laws such as ISA, DDA and EO and the denied legal access.

"This shows that the police have something to hide," he added.

He said the organisation will send a letter to the police and the Home Ministry, urging them to allow immediate legal access to the prominent actor.

Also present were Ampang parliamentarian Zuraida Kamaruddin and Bar Council representative Edmund Bon.