KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 — I have been informed that State Executive Councillor and Seri Setia
Assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has been detained by police over the Free Anwar rally held yesterday.
I strongly condemn Nik Nazmi’s arrest and detention. The police action constitutes a violation of the rule of law which warrants that duly elected lawmakers such as Nik Nazmi be free from harassment by the powers that be.
This arrest is therefore unacceptable, unlawful and unconstitutional. Yesterday’s rally was completely orderly, peaceful and within the bounds of the law. We see no legal basis for the arrests of Nik Nazmi and also Saifullah Zulkifli other than that they are politically motivated.
Even if the police wish to record a statement from him, surely there is no need whatsoever to remand him overnight; particularly considering that Nik Nazmi had voluntarily attended the police station this morning.
The federal government and the police must respect the rakyat’s right to peacefully gather and voice out their grievances. It is incumbent on those in power to respect the rule of law and the fundamental freedoms of the rakyat.
The authorities must release Nik Nazmi immediately and unconditionally and cease the ongoing police investigations upon him and all others for participating in the recent Free Anwar rallies.
* Mohamed Azmin Ali is Selangor Mentri Besar and deputy president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
** This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.
