Khairuddin rearrested under SOSMA

KUALA LUMPUR: Former UMNO Batu Kawan division deputy chief Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan was rearrested at the Duta Court Complex Kuala Lumpur today under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) for acts of sabotage.

His arrest was confirmed by his lawyer Matthias Chan, who told Astro AWANI that Khairuddin is now being charged under Section 124K and 124L of the Penal Code after being released today from the previous charge under Section 124C on charges of trying to overthrow the government.

As he was released and was leaving the court, he was re-arrested there and then for committing offences against the state, said Matthias.

Khairuddin was brought to the Dang Wangi police station after his re-arrest at about 4.40pm and will be automatically detained for 28 days as the Act allows for such detainment.

“They are invoking Sosma which means he can be detained for 28 days without trial,” he said.

Sosma was made under the Article 149 of Federal Constitution to thwart internal security issues including public order, acts of terrorism, sabotage and espionage.

According to the Section 4 (key provision) of the Act, a police officer has special power of arrest and detention over persons whom he has reason to believe is involved in high-risked security offences.

Khairuddin was first arrested by the police on Friday about 7.30pm at his Mont Kiara residence when he was scheduled to meet Federal Bureau of Investigation agents on Monday.

His wife Datin Seri Umie Aida said police seized some personal belongings, including a laptop, two mobile phones and sim cards during the arrest.

Following this arrest, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said Khairuddin's action to choose foreign legal channels to put pressure on Malaysia on the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issue can be deemed as sabotaging the country.

He said the action of the former Batu Kawan UMNO division deputy was clearly seen as aimed at challenging the Malaysian legal system.