‘We may re-arrest Maria’
> IGP: Adequate info gathered but probe still ongoing
KUALA LUMPUR: Police may re-arrest Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah, if needed, under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA 2012).
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police have gathered enough information from Maria Chin during her detention under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), but police can re-arrest her if needed for further interrogation.
“We released Maria Chin early because we have gathered adequate information from her. However, investigations are still ongoing. We will submit the Investigation Paper to Attorney-General’s chambers soon,” he told reporters after witnessing the handing over of 10 units of Kawasaki KLX250 motorcycles to be used by Eastern Sabah Security Command.
Maria Chin, who was detained for 10 days, was released on Monday – a day before a habeas corpus hearing challenging her detention in the KL High Court.
On the raid at the Empower office on Monday, Khalid said it was because they had found evidence that showed the NGO received funding from foreign bodies, such as the Open Society Foundation.
“The raid was because Empower was Maria Chin’s old office and we received information that they are receiving funds from foreign bodies,” he said adding that investigations also showed involvement of other foreign bodies as well.
When asked why the Empower staff were locked in their office during the raid, Khalid said this was normal procedure for them to be present while the police raided.
“This is to ensure there is no allegation later that things have been stolen from the premises during the raid,” he added.
Meanwhile, Maria Chin said Khalid’s statement that she could be re-arrested should be labelled as a threat to her.
“I wouldn’t discount a second arrest because it is actually under the PAA so we will see but I think that is a threat,” she said outside the KL High Court.
“They must give us a reason. What’s the reason for arresting under PAA when everything went peacefully?” she asked.
Maria Chin also revealed that she had received another death threat recently in the form of a note and a live bullet.
“On my table yesterday was an envelope and inside it contained a threatening note to me and my family as well as a live bullet,” she said.