An opposition MP has blasted Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's refusal to explain the use of the draconian Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) on Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah as "irresponsible".

Zahid yesterday dodged questions on Maria's detention under the Act meant for high-level security threats, saying the question was an "operational matter" that should be directed at the attorney-general (AG) and the inspector-general of police (IGP).

"It is irresponsible of Zahid to try to avoid all explanation by claiming that the arrest is an ' operational' matter.

"The home minister is answerable for all actions of the police force, including 'operational' matters.

"Maria's detention is a matter of national concern, and has made international news.

"We are thus entitled to demand answers from the home minister, and he is obliged to answer," Padang Serai MP N Surendran said in a statement today.

Maria was detained along with a number of other MPs and civil society leaders in a preemptive crackdown on the eve of Bersih 5, which last Saturday saw 40,000 people rally in Kuala Lumpur for electoral and democratic reforms.

'Maria a threat laughable'

Sosma allows for an extended detention period of up to 28 days upon approval from the court for security offences, and Maria has been placed in solitary confinement.

The crackdown continued through to yesterday, with a number of opposition leaders being detained and remanded.

"It is laughable to think that Maria Chin poses any threat to society," Surendran said.

"Far from being a security threat, she is a hero to millions of Malaysians who seek peaceful change and fair elections in our country.

"This can be seen from the massive crowds that flooded the streets of the capital over the weekend in support of the Bersih movement led by her," he added.

The human rights lawyer said if Zahid cannot explain why Sosma is being used on the civil society leader, he should release her "immediately and unconditionally".

'Sosma use vindictive'

DAP Gelang Patah MP Lim Kit Siang also called for the "immediate release" of all those detained over Bersih 5, calling the crackdown of activists and politicians "undemocratic".

The crackdown, Lim said, was "a clear abuse of power by those in authority", a violation of constitutional rights, "as well as an unprecedented threat to MPs and state assemblymen from carrying out their duties".

Commenting in his speech at a Deepavali celebration in Nilai, Lim said that while the Bersih 5 rally symbolised victory of democracy or light, the arrests represented the darkness plaguing the country.

"Maria’s detention under Sosma... is most deplorable, as it is clearly vicious, vengeful and vindictive.

PKR information chief Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, in echoing calls for the release of the leaders, stressed that Bersih supporters were only on the streets to peacefully demand for electoral and institutional reforms.

"Even if there were to be any arrests, the one who should be arrested is the kleptocrat, MO1 (Malaysian Official 1), and those who colluded to swindle the people's money," Syed Ibrahim said in a statement.

Police yesterday released five politicians and three activists who were picked up before the Bersih 5 rally last Saturday, while the others have been remanded.

Police praised

Lim also commended the police for upholding peace during the rallies last Saturday.

"Tribute must be paid to the Malaysian police for ensuring that the Bersih 5 rally yesterday was quite incident-free.

"It reaffirms my belief that the majority of the Royal Malaysian Police officers and personnel are law-abiding, who cherish police honour, dignity and morale, which come from performing their police duties in a professional and non-partisan manner, and to be the guardians of the constitution, law and order of the country," Lim added.