He admitted that it remains a big “maybe”, but stressed that it is a worrying prospect that should not be put past the ruling government.
Muhamad Yusof noted that the way the incidents have played out over the weekend, it is not too far-fetched to assume that the authorities may try to portray a “tense situation in the country”.
“When peaceful activities are not allowed, it would spark protests and possibly the authorities may use this opportunity to use the ISA, with the excuse to restore order,” he said at a press conference at the Senate lounge today.
Muhamad Yusof went as far as to warn that if the authorities are not careful, their aggression could spark another massacre like the 1982 Kg Memali incident where 14 people were killed in a civil uprising against some 3,000 police officers, sent to arrest PAS strongman Ibrahim Mahmud, also known as Ibrahim Libya.
A total of 36 people were detained and had their statements recorded before they were released just a few hours before dawn today.
'Thugs in uniform'
DAP-appointed senator S Ramakrishnan was outraged by the police's actions, saying the authorities merely made themselves look like “thugs in uniform”.
“Surprisingly, statements were not only taken from those detained but also from their lawyers and bailers. This is unprecedented,” said Ramakrishnan (left).
Ramakrishnan, who filed an emergency motion to debate the issue in the Senate, decried the police's brutality against the activists, claiming some were dragged and even kicked while being detained.
“We have become a real police state, where even children and women are seen as a threat to the government,” he said.
Sanctioned by PM?
PKR senator Syed Husin Ali did not discount the possibility that the events over the weekend could indicate elections are around the corner, but stressed that the situation is worse than what he had witnessed in the past.
“I heard from a very reliable source that there is a decision by both the PM and home minister that any protest by the opposition and NGOs should be curtailed.
“Certain leaders feel threatened, not only locally but also internationally with issues such as the Scorpene (submarine deal) being investigated by French authorities.
“They feel threatened and under siege, but a foolish move is to take stronger action. The stronger action you take, the more anger you cause. If they go on in this manner, the people will get angry... it is we who gain,” he said.
courtesy of Malaysiakini
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