Bersih and Suaram want investigations to be conducted on the reports of violation of human rights by the inspector-general of police (IGP) and his men as alleged by the two NGOs, during the days following up to the rally and after.

The NGOs urged Suhakam to conduct investigations on the arrest of Maria Chin and several other politicians and social activists linked to Bersih 5.

Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah claimed the IGP and his men had resorted to these actions that had violated human right laws.

"During Bersih 5, police had roadblocks around Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) in an attempt to prevent vehicles and Bersih supporters from gathering.

"They also prevented loud speakers and ambulances from entering. This had jeopardised the participants' safety," said Maria.

This came after Maria was arrested alongside sixteen other opposition politicians and activists in connection with the Nov 19 mega-rally in Kuala Lumpur.

Maria's arrest under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) had drawn criticism from many, including Suhakam.

She was held for ten days and released just before her habeas corpus application was to be heard.

Suhakam Commissioner Prof Aisha Bidin said the organisation would conduct an investigation into this matter as it believed this had breached basic human right laws.

Aisha also wanted an inquiry into the standard operation procedure in handling these detainees.

She said the establishment of a task force to get feedback from the detainees and officials was also needed.

Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy urged Suhakam to establish a special task force committee to investigate cases of detentions without trial that were reported to them and to to put a stop to violations of human rights.

He said Suaram had recorded cases whereby the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Poca) was used to arrest first-time offenders and many other individuals arbitrarily.

Suaram also demanded investigation into the SOPs of arrests under Sosma and Poca and alleged elements of torture during the arrests and detention.

It urged Suhakam to formulate a special mechanism for families and civilians to file complaints and have access to legal assistance.

Suhakam was represented by Francis Johen Anak Adam, Professor Dr Aishah Bidin, Mah Weng Kwai and Jerald Joseph.