Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship Movement coordinator Zamri Vinoth and protest co-organiser Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak have been detained for the remand process following their pre-emptive arrests before last night’s purported rally in Kuala Lumpur.
Eighteen other individuals who were initially detained have since been released on police bail, as confirmed by lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla, who was also among those arrested.
"A total of 20 individuals were detained before yesterday's rally, including myself. After the police took our statements, 18 individuals were released on police bail at around 3am.
"However, the police detained Zamri (above) and Tamim for the remand process today," Haniff said earlier today.
While he expressed appreciation towards lower-ranking police officers for the treatment provided during the detention, Haniff nevertheless criticised the actions of the top officials.
"I thank the lower-ranking police officers who gave good treatment. The issue is simply the top-ranking officers who gave the orders (for detention)," he said.
Last night, police began arresting purported rally goers at the compound of the Sogo shopping complex in Kuala Lumpur, as early as 8pm.
They were believed to be among those suspected of planning to take part in a rally against what has been described as “illegal houses of worship”.
Heavy police presence, including anti-riot personnel were seen guarding the areas around Sogo and Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru to prevent participants from gathering.
Dang Wangi district police chief Sazalee Adam later issued a dispersal order between 8.30pm and 9pm after the crowd size reached over 100 people.
Alongside Zamri, Haniff, and Tamim, several others detained last night included Bersatu Hulu Langat Information chief Shafiq Abdul Halim, Ummah Malacca chairperson Hisyamuddin Abu Bakar, and Muslim Consumer Association Malaysia (PPIM) activist Gulab Jan Fazal Elad.
Also detained was NGO Prowaris member Iskandar Khoo Kuan Yiaw, as well as anti-illegal houses of worship activists, Jamalee Bashah, Fatimah Mat Raji, Elza Nadiah Shaik Sulaiman, Jurasmadi Pauzi, Esma Hisham Zainol Nor, and Monashofian Putra Zulkarnain Indra Putra.
Earlier yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim issued a stern warning that “maximum action”, including arrests, would be executed against any quarter that attempts to disrupt national peace and security, especially while foreign guests are visiting the country.
Anwar stressed that while the government upholds the right to criticise and freedom of expression, any actions that breach national laws or incite racial tensions will not be tolerated.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had also urged for the rally's cancellation to ensure public safety.
He said that although police permits were no longer required under amendments to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, action may still be taken against those involved in the rally on the grounds of public order and security.
Urimai leaders detention
Separately, the police also detained two Urimai party leaders, who had initially planned to organise another rally near India Gate, Brickfields.
Hindu Temple Task Force Coalition adviser Satees Muniandy confirmed the matter when contacted by Malaysiakini.
"We have just been informed that a group of police officers from Dang Wangi took K Gunasekaran (Cikgu Sekar) and Sai Saravana from their homes in Klang around 12.30 am.
"Urimai strongly condemns the unnecessary harassment of our activists. The purpose of these police arrests remains unclear, as the officers involved refused to disclose any information or reasons regarding their actions,” he said.
"Although their exact reasons remain unknown, we believe this may be related to the arrests conducted by the police near Sogo last night.
“Nevertheless, it is unclear why Cikgu Sekar and Sai Saravana were detained, given they have no connection to any incidents occurring today," Satees added.
Gunasekaran is among the organisers for a counter-protest against the police and government's alleged refusal to act against those who insult Hinduism in Malaysia, which has since been postponed to Feb 15.
The organisers had agreed to the police requests for the rally not to proceed on its initial scheduled date, Feb 8, during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Satees, who is the secretary of Urimai, further stressed that his party had fully complied with the police's requests, and reminded that they had immediately announced their event's cancellation to safeguard the country's reputation during Modi's visit.
"Is the government trying to 'balance' the arrests of those who gathered at Sogo, despite being warned by the police? And why are individuals who followed police instructions being harassed? What kind of cheap politics is this?
"Cikgu Sekar and Sai Saravana did not break any laws, yet were still harassed by the police, allegedly on the grounds of 'balancing actions'. We strongly condemn this harassment," he said. - FMT
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