Arrest of Bersih 5 leaders: 'Don't blame the police'

The police should not be blamed for arresting Bersih 2.0 steering committee chairman Maria Chin Abdullah and several Opposition leaders yesterday for their alleged involvement in organising the Bersih 5 rally.

MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the police were only carrying out their responsibilities and taking necessary action to secure the peace and safety of this country.

He said besides those involved in Bersih 5, the police had also arrested several individuals from the Red Shirts group, including its leader Datuk Seri Jamal Md Yunos.

Therefore, the issue of biased action by the police did not arise, he said.

“It is the responsibility of the police to ensure the country is safe. The legal system provides them the right and the freedom to take whatever action necessary to make sure our country is peaceful.

“The decision (to arrest) lies with the police, if they feel that is the best move to secure the country and people’s safety. I don’t want to question their jurisdiction, all I can say is the police have done their jobs,” said Dr Subramaniam.

He said this after handing over a RM1 million contribution on behalf of MIC for the construction of the Sri Trisula Mariman temple here today.

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