THE arrest of the three individuals under the Sedition Act is not related to politics as it was done in order to safeguard the country's stability and to avoid problems among the races.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said it was important for the law enforcement authority to curb any instances of individuals who provoked feelings of hatred that could disrupt the peace.
"I don't think we should be worried if any party wants to politicise or twist the police action for their own interest. The important thing is for sternness. The people want to see the authorities take stern action
"This is done to safeguard the country's peace and security as that is most important," Muhyiddin said after attending a tourism briefing by the Governor of Phuket Maitri Inthusut and representatives from Thai tourism authorities here yesterday.
Muhyiddin, who was informed about the arrest yesterday, said the government would not interfere with police investigations but let the due course of law take effect.
He was commenting on the arrests of Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president Tian Chua, political activist Haris Ibrahim, and Pas member Tamrin Ghafar yesterday.
Muhyiddin said the people were worried about recent gatherings and provocative statements made by certain individuals stemming from claims of election fraud, as the people wanted the country to move on post-elections.
Muhyiddin urged those who were unhappy with the election results to take legal action, and not to take matters in their own hands.
He lambasted such parties for resorting to the "law of the jungle" as they were only creating havoc.
"This cannot happen because the people want to move ahead and continue with work. The government has been elected and formed, lets move forward. If you want you can wait five years and contest again."
In Kuala Lumpur, City police chief Deputy Commissioner Datuk Mohmad Salleh said the trio had been arrested for making seditious remarks during a forum on May 13.
Tamrin, Tian Chua and Haris were picked up in Bangsar, Sepang and Segambut respectively to facilitate investigations under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948.
The trio were taken to the Jinjang Utara police station to have their statements recorded.
Mohmad warned the public not to conduct any more vigils outside the police station, similar to the candlelight vigil held by 18 people in support of activist Adam Adli on Wednesday night.
"The 18 people who held the candlelight vigil for Adam were arrested for holding an unlawful assembly. Their statements were recorded before being released on police bail," Mohmad said yesterday.
"Police will not tolerate this type of behaviour as it is not only against the law but also annoys residents in the area. If you are unhappy with something, there are always legal avenues which can be pursued."
Adam pleaded not guilty to a charge of uttering seditious words during a talk. He was later released after his father posted bail for him, set at RM5,000 by the court.
His case will be mentioned on July 2.
- New Straits Times
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