Sosma used to probe Bersih’s funding

SEPANG: The 28-days detention period under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) will give police ample time to investigate the nature of Bersih 2.0’s funding, said Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

The Inspector-General of Police said Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah’s detention under Sosma is procedural for investigations under Section 124(c) of the Penal Code for activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

“On Nov 18, a team of police officers raided the Bersih office and found some documents that have led us to believe that they could be involved in activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy in Malaysia, an offence under Section 124(c) of the Penal Code.

“We arrested her on the same day under Section 124(c) of the Penal Code. The procedures for us to carry out investigations via Section 124(c) of the Penal Code is under Sosma. Under Sosma, we can detain her for 28 days,” he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday.

Khalid said the detention period would give police enough time to go through the documents and items seized from the Bersih office on Nov 18, and to get Maria’s statement on the confiscated items.

According to him, Maria has confessed to getting funds from the Open Society Foundations (OSF) funded by George Soros.

“We all know what OSF is and how many countries they have taken down in their own ways.

“It is the responsibility of the police to ensure that national security is not threatened by anyone at all,” he said, adding that Maria was also being probed under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012.

Sosma can be used for investigations into organised crime, human trafficking and crimes against the country – not just terrorism, added Khalid.

“People saying that the Government has promised to use Sosma only against terrorist have gotten it confused with Pota – Prevention of Terrorism Act.

“As far as I remember, the Government has never said that Section 124(c) can only be used against terrorists. None,” he said.

Khalid said police received more than 15 reports on Bersih-related activities, including the weekly convoys as well as alleged assistance from outsiders.

The IGP also denied claims that Maria was being mistreated in detention, saying that police are giving her the same treatment as other detainees.

“We follow lock-up rules, prison rules and other standard operating procedures regarding detainees.”

Earlier, Centre For A Better Tomorrow (Cenbet) demanded Maria’s immediate release on grounds that she should not be held under laws drawn to bring terror suspects to book.