Back at Jinjang to support detained activists, ex-Bersih leader recalls BN-era crackdown

A decade after being whisked to the Jinjang police station in a police vehicle, flanked by balaclava-clad officers, former Bersih steering committee member Mandeep Singh found himself standing in the same place once again.

But the circumstances, if not the memories, have changed.

This time, he was there to stand in solidarity with Mandiri executive director Amir Hariri Abdul Hadi and finance director Dobby Chew, who are being held at the same police station.

Reflecting on the experience in a Facebook post, Mandeep (above) said his return to Jinjang brought back memories of his own detention during the Bersih 5 rally.

Now an aide to Digital Minister Gobind Singh, Mandeep expressed regret that the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla) was being used against activists.

“I went through something similar when I was with Bersih. (Former Bersih chairperson) Maria (Chin Abdullah) and I were detained on Nov 18, 2016, over the organisation of the Bersih 5 rally.

“Bersih's bank accounts were also frequently investigated,” he said.

Mandeep acknowledged that the authorities were entitled to investigate the youth-led NGO but questioned the arrests of Amir and Chew (above).

“I personally witnessed Amir and Chew openly cooperating with the police. If there was insufficient time to complete the investigation, they could simply be called back to provide further statements,” he added.

He called for the immediate release of the pair, saying they should be charged if there was sufficient evidence against them.

“Civil society also has a responsibility to continue being a check and balance against any government, including the Madani government. Civil society is not our enemy.

“We too were once in the same position. To Amir and Chew, I pray that both of you will remain strong inside,” he added.

Ongoing investigations

Malaysiakini reported yesterday that police had obtained a three-day remand order against the pair, expiring on Sept 25, to facilitate investigations into the alleged receipt of illicit funds.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail said an investigation paper was opened on Sept 10 following a police report based on a review of the company's receipt of funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities between 2024 and 2026.

He said police would investigate anyone suspected of involvement, including in the storage, transfer, use, deposit or withdrawal of funds believed to be linked to unlawful activities.

The police chief also urged the public not to speculate or spread unverified information while investigations were ongoing.

In May, PKR Youth chief Kamil Abdul Munim urged the authorities to probe Mandiri over allegations that the group had received foreign funding aimed at subverting Malaysian politics.

Kamil (below) said there were reports that Mandiri received RM1.5 million from the US-based Tides Foundation between November 2024 and June 2025.

Several DAP leaders, including Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, have also called for Amir and Chew to be released, saying their arrests raised concerns over the necessity and proportionality of the action taken against them.

PKR’s Semambu assemblyperson Chan Chun Kang, meanwhile, reminded the government to avoid any perception that state agencies were being used to punish or intimidate critics.

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