Suaram has deplored the police's action on Thursday on a man who printed T-shirts worn by protesters during the New Year's Eve anti-price hike demonstration, arguing that the authorities are using new sections under the Penal Code and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) to frighten the people.

The NGO's coordinator, Syukri Razab, said the action taken by the authorities against Zul Raidy Ahmad Tarmizi - who had his statement recorded at the Serdang police station on Thursday - is unwarranted.

"The authorities are using Section 124D to investigate him. Sections 124B to 124N are all new sections in the Penal Code passed last year - and also fall under Sosma - to scare the people.

"All the provisions are for offences that allegedly ‘hurt’ parliamentary democracy, under which Sosma provides for detention of up to 28 days without trial," he said, adding that in the last general election police had made similar threats to use Sosma against political dissidents.

According to Syukri, inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar, in a statement last month, had said that police would not hesitate to take action under Sosma against the New Year's Eve protesters.

50 T-shirts seized

On Dec 30 last year, Syukri said a police team attempted to arrest Zul Raidy under Section 124D at his home in Taiping, but he could not be found.

However, the police seized 50 T-shirts and brought Zul Raidy's friend to the Serdang police station for questioning.

Suaram is calling on the police to stop using Section 124C and 124D of the Penal Code against political dissidents.

Could a peaceful demonstration to seek for a change in government policy be deemed as hurting parliamentary democracy, asked Syukri.

Looking at this trend, Suaram feels it is wise for Sosma - originally created to curb terrorism - to be repealed along with Sections 124B to 124N to prevent the police from misinterpreting the sections and abusing them to prevent freedom of expression.

"Freedom of expression is enshrined in the Human Rights International Declaration. If Sosma and the said sections are retained, Suaram is concerned that many civil and political rights would be violated," said Syukri.