The spate of arrests against PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, and PKR vice-presidents Tian Chua, Rafizi Ramli and other activists would result in the people hating BN more.

PAS vice-president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man in a strong statement condemned the harsh actions by the police in arresting and detaining the Pakatan Rakyat leaders and other activists which he said were done without any valid reason.

“Such pressure and cruel action by the authorities would only create hatred of the people towards the BN government and diminish the people's respect on the police credibility,” he warned.

Tuan Ibrahim said the government should face the protest of the people against the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Wednesday, and other hot issues like the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and abuse of power head on, and not divert such pressing matters by bullying and arresting opposition leaders and activists who are fighting for the people's issues.

“This only goes to show that we need a strong opposition to always check on BN.

"This also represents that our political enemy is still the same that is BN and Umno,” he said.

Hence, Tuan Ibrahim said the Pakatan coalition should close ranks and settle its differences and focus on fighting the abuses of BN together.

This is in light of the recent acrimony between PAS and its allies DAP and PKR over the move to table a Private Member's Bill to enhance punishment in the syariah courts.

“Respect the minor differences so we could focus on other commonalities as our political opponents are still the same, namely BN-Umno,” he advised Pakatan leaders.

Mohamad or better known as Mat Sabu was arrested in Penang last night while Rafizi was picked up in Selangor yesterday.