PAS deputy chief Mohamed Sabu was nabbed by police believed to be from Bukit Aman's Pasukan Petugas Khas Jenayah Terancang (STAFOC) at about midnight in Seberang Jaya, Penang.

 

It is believed that Mohamed, better known as Mat Sabu, was arrested ahead of his alleged involvement in the ‘Free Anwar Ibrahim’ rally in Kuala Lumpur, dubbed ‘Kita Lawan’, later today.

 

The police are apparently trying to stop the rally for fear protestors might gate-crash Prime Minister Najib Razak daughter’s wedding but Kita Lawan’s organising committee member Fariz Musa said the protesters merely want to “celebrate” the event.

 

Penang PAS commissioner I Mujahid Yusof Rawa ( left ) confirmed the arrest, saying he was with Mat Sabu at a coffee shop called Seven Stars in Sungai Dua, Butterworth when he was carted away by the police.

 

"The police wore ski masks and had weapons with them when they arrested him, and brought him to the lock-up in Seberang Jaya," Mujahid told Malaysiakini , when contacted.

 

"I was around until 1.15am, waiting for further developments," he added, saying both were at a meeting with Penang PAS leaders when the party’s deputy president was apprehended by the police.

 

Could be brought to KL

 

According to the Parit Buntar MP, Mat Sabu could be taken by the police to Kuala Lumpur at about 1.20am.

 

“We have handed over his clothes and medicines to him,” Mujahid said.

 

Accompanying Mujahid was Permatang Pasir assemblyman and Penang PAS commissioner II Salleh Man.

 

Earlier, at about 9pm, social activist Hishamuddin Rais ( photo, right ) was 'kidnapped' by several individuals near the site of the Kita Lawan sit-in near Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, and brought to the Dang Wangi district police station.

 

Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has warned that those participating in the rally in downtown Kuala Lumpur today, which is due to kick off at 4pm, will be arrested.

 

Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli ( photo, left ) was also arrested yesterday while Batu MP Tian Chua has been told to present himself at the Dang Wangi police station today.