Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali has condemned the arrest of his state executive councillor Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, saying lawmakers should be free of such harassment from the authorities.

Nik Nazmi was detained yesterday and remanded for three days at the Jinjang police station for his involvement in last Saturday’s Kita Lawan rally in Kuala Lumpur, which drew a crowd of some 10,000 participants.

He is being investigated for illegal assembly,  under Section 9 (5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act  and Section 143 of the Penal Code.

"The police action constitutes a violation of the rule of law, which warrants that duly elected lawmakers such as Nik Nazmi be free from harassment by the powers that be," Azmin, who is also PKR deputy chairperson, said in a statement.

"This arrest is therefore unacceptable, unlawful and unconstitutional," he added.

Azmin said Saturday's rally, which called for the release of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim from prison was "completely orderly, peaceful and within the bounds of the law".

Rally also demands Najib's resignation

Organised by a coalition of NGO activists and opposition Youth wings called Kita Lawan, the rally also demanded the resignation of Najib Abdul Razak as prime minister.

After the rally, another PKR Youth leader, Saifullah Zulkifli, was also arrested.

"We see no legal basis for the arrest of Nik Nazmi and also Saifullah, other than that the actions are politically motivated," Azmin said.

"Even if the police wish to record a statement from him, surely there is no need whatsoever to remand him overnight.

"Nik Nazmi voluntarily went to the police station this morning," he added.

Meanwhile, in Penang, PKR national deputy Youth chief Dr Afif Bahardin ( centre in photo ) said police had allowed demonstrations against the Pakatan-ruled Selangor and Penang governments.

Afif recalled that pro-BN groups have rallied in front of the Selangor government office by bringing along the severed head of a cow, while in Penang, Malay right wing groups have intruded into the state legislative assembly over Seri Delima assemblyperson RSN Rayer's 'celaka' (damn) remark against Umno.

"Based on the same logic, police should allow rallies criticising the federal government led by BN.

"Such double standards by the police will tarnish the credibility, integrity and professionalism of the force," he said.

Afif said the series of arrests of opposition leaders were meant to stifle dissent.

Afif, who is a Penang state executive councillor, said the authorities would continue with their action even though this was totally against the law which respects freedom of assembly and speech.

"The rally was organised and attended by youth groups. The police should just allow it to take place as it was orderly and peaceful," the Seberang Jaya assemblyperson said in a statement.

"The police should be just present to control traffic and ensure the safety of participants," he added.