Amanah Youth vice-chief Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin was granted early release today, after four days in police custody.

"I was freed around 3.45pm. (My remand) was supposed to (expire) tomorrow but the investigating officer released me just now," he told Malaysiakini.

In a statement later, Shazni expressed gratitude not only to his family and friends but also to a police officer who woke him up for sahur (pre-fast meals) and informed him of prayer times.

He was arrested last Friday, purportedly over a protest at the Election Commission (EC) headquarters in Putrajaya on May 23.

He was taken to the Putrajaya district police headquarters, where he was questioned and later held.

During the May 23 protest, which involved the youth and women's wings of Pakatan Harapan parties, protesters and chained and locked the gates leading to the EC headquarters.

This was done when no representative from the commission showed up to meet the group.

In his statement today, Shazni called on EC chairperson Mohd Hashim Abdullah to resign, and be replaced with someone who was not influenced by the ruling BN coalition.

He also urged the public to be vigilant and monitor the EC's each and every move.

"This is important as the most valuable right we have is the right to vote. Only with votes and a fair electoral system can a kleptocratic government be removed."

Shazni was investigated under Section 341 of the Penal Code.

Section 341 of the Penal Code deals with punishment for wrongful restraint, stating that "whoever wrongfully restrains any person shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month or with fine which may extend to RM1,000 or with both".