Sedition dragnet: Cops do not rule out more arrests

KL police chief Mohammad Salleh says that in order to protect peace and security, there could be more arrests coming.

KUALA LUMPUR: The police have not ruled out the possibility of more arrests under its Sedition Act dragnet.

Speaking at a press conference here, city police chief Mohammad Salleh said the priority was to ensure peace and security.

The police have so far arrested four  people under the Act. These are student leader Adam Adli, Anything But Umno (ABU) leader Haris Ibrahim, PKR vice-president Tian Chua and PAS’ Thamrin Ghaffar.

There are also rumours that PKR leader and Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) founder Badrul Hisham Shaharin has been arrested as well but this could not be confirmed. SAMM issued a statement at 6pm to state that Badrul Hisham was “still free”.

Adam was charged this morning and freed on bail.

Mohammad said the others were also expected to be charged under the Sedition Act with regard to their call to topple the government through a massive street protest.

“We have 24 hours to gather all the statements from them but we will extend the remand if time does not suffice.

“We have also not ruled out more arrests on those linked to the May 13 ceramah. We will only find out after thorough investigations have been completed,” he added.

Mohammad also said that the forum on May 13 was unlawful and uncalled for.

“It was wrong for them to gather as they did on May 13 and since the Sedition Act is still enforceable by law, we have to charge them under it,” he said.

“After all our first priority is to maintain peace and order,” he added.

Mohammad also said the 18 people arrested under Section 143 of the Penal Code outside the Jinjang detention centre last night have been released on police bail.

“We have recorded statements from them, but investigations are ongoing and until then all 18 have been released on police bail,” he said.

“That assembly was unlawful, they could be jailed up to six months [if found guilty],” he added.

The 18 were part of the crowd who had gathered in support of Adam who was held at the Jinjang police detention centre.

The police chief also warned the public not to get involved in such gatherings in the future, including the one scheduled to take place on May 25 at a field near Amcorp Mall in Petaling Jaya.

“Please obey the existing laws and do not behave otherwise, we don’t want any trouble and the people should work together with us instead of against us,” he said.

“However, if the rally does take place this weekend, we are ready to take action. We have enough manpower and will do what is necessary to maintain peace and order,” he added.