Four people who had lodged police reports regarding suspected "phantom voters" arriving in Lunas in several buses on polling day for the recent by-election there were arrested by police officers early this morning.

Zamil Ibrahim, Kedah Keadilan secretary, from Bedong was arrested at about 1am, Ahmad Khairudin Jamaludin from Lunas at 2am, while Mohd. Khairi Yahya and Mohd. Fauzi Awang Kechik were both arrested at 4.30 am at their Kota Kuala Muda homes.

According to Keadilan's Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, newly elected state assemblyman for Lunas, the four of them were first brought to the Kulim police headquarters and later to the Kulim Magistrate's Court at about 11.45am.

The four were charged under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting, which carries a maximum jail term of two years or a fine, or both, on conviction.

The charge tendered by Deputy Public Prosecutor Zulkifli Bakar stated that the four had on Nov 29 between 6.30am and 9am at Taman Mewah, Kulim, Kedah, participated in an illegal assembly and had stopped several buses with passengers who were on their way to the Barisan Nasional office at Taman Sri Seladang, Lunas, Kulim.

Released on bail

The four pleaded not guilty before magistrate Noorhisyam Ismail and hearing has been fixed for April 14 next year.

At about noon, the accused were released on bail of RM5,000 each. The total RM20,000 bail was posted and the accused have engaged six lawyers to represent them.

Saifuddin claimed that BN supporters who had also made police reports on that day were not arrested by the police.

"I hope the (four) arrests were not made because of any political agenda or pressure," he said.

He also complained the police had not given the accused sahur (food to be taken before start of fasting) during their detention at the lock-up.

"During Ramadan, they should have prepared sahur so that they can fulfill their fasting obligation," he said.

About 250 BA supporters had gathered outside the court since 8am.

Saifuddin reported that about 50 Federal Reserve Unit and 50 General Operations Force personnel and a water cannon truck were on stand-by outside the court.