The prime minister today again defended the police detention of 12 people, including two DAP lawmakers, over links to defunct Sri Lankan terror group, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the police must have strong reasons for the arrests under Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), in response to Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy’s criticism yesterday.
“The situation now is different. We are not just simply arresting people for no reason. There is a reason and I have received an explanation from the police on the reasons why they have taken action and I am satisfied with the police explanation.
“If Ramasamy is not happy, then he is not happy the fact remains that this has happened and there is a reason why it has happened,” Dr Mahathir told reporters this morning.
Ramasamy said the arrests were a bitter pill to swallow as Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders had in the past been critical of the police using draconian laws, and had promised to repeal them, including Sosma.
Ramasamy also said that Mahathir himself had been critical of Sosma in the past.
Earlier reports:
Oct 14, Ramkarpal, Rayer to Challenge Use of Sosma on Party Men Accused of LTTE Links
Oct 11, Ambiga: No Need to Use Sosma Against Assemblypersons
Oct 10, Bukit Aman: Plans Afoot to Revive Tamil Tigers Attack, Sri Lanka High Commission
Oct 10, Two DAP Reps Arrested Under Sosma over Alleged Links with Tamil Tigers