Mat Sabu denies daring ISA arrest

comments     Abdul Rahim Sabri     Published     Updated

PAS deputy president Mohamed Sabu has denied a report that he had challenged the police to arrest him under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for being a part of the Bersih 2.0 movement.

“(The report) is untrue. All I said was that police have the power to arrest anyone.”

He was referring to a Malay daily Sinar Harian news report today alleging that he had dared police to arrest him.

“I never said I am ready to be detained under the ISA, as if taunting the police to arrest me under the act,” Mohamad told Malaysiakini, adding that to his knowledge neither have any other PAS leaders issued such a challenge.

Sabu reiterated the Islamic party’s stand in staunch support for the movement pushing for electoral reforms, having promised more than 50,000 members for the rally planned for next weekend.

He added that the world would see it as weird should a person defending democracy be arrested under the draconian Act.

The Malay daily also reported PAS leaders saying that even if they were arrested, plans for the party to participate in the upcoming mega rally on July 9 to press for free and fair elections.

The first Bersih rally in 2007 saw nearly 40,000 people take to the streets pressuring the government for free and fair elections. It is often said to have provided the momentum triggering the 2008 political tsunami.

The daily also reported Mohamad saying that the party leadership will not budge on Bersih 2.0, as the planned rally is part and parcel of their struggle. This, despite speculated mass arrests by the authorities in the run up to the rally.

According to the daily, Mohamad had made the statements during a greet the people session with party members at the Langgar electoral district donation drive in Jalan Kubur Maras, Kota Bharu.

Outlawing Bersih ‘void’

Meanwhile PKR vice president N Surendran strongly condemned Home Minister Hishamuddin Hussein’s announcement yesterday that Bersih 2.0 and declaring the movement “illegal” under Section 5 of the Societies Act 1966.

“How can a movement for fair elections be a threat to security? How can a peaceful assembly with a noble democratic purpose be a threat to public order?” he asked.

The lawyer said the minister’s order “is void and unconstitutional” calling the move a “flagrant breach” of Article 10(1)©) of the federal constitution, that guarantees the freedom of association.

He also argued that the minister had abused his powers in issuing the order, and that it was politically motivated, with the intention to stifling criticisms against the BN.  

“We demand that the order be revoked immediately and all those arrested in relation to Bersih be released at once,” he said.



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