Although they have been detained, at least Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan and Matthias Chang are being allowed a trial where they can defend themselves, said Datuk Seri Salleh Keruak.

The Communications and Multimedia Minister said, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad must be reminded during his time he had used the Internal Security Act on dissidents and critics of the government where there was no trial.

“During Dr Mahathir’s term as Prime Minister, there were many cases when people who told the truth were arrested, charged and convicted for the crime of telling the truth.

“Dr Mahathir should know that the truth is subjective and just because one tells the truth that does not mean one has not broken any laws.

“For example, Marina Yusoff was convicted and sentenced under the Sedition Act in 2000 for telling the truth and the judge ruled that just because she told the truth does not mean she is not guilty of a crime.

“Under the Sedition Act, telling the truth can actually get you jailed, the court reminded the defence. At least Khairuddin and Matthias are being allowed a trial where they can defend themselves and if they are not guilty will be freed.

“In 2001, ten of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s supporters were detained without trial on allegations that they were terrorists. Six were made to serve two years under detention and the court later ruled that they were not terrorists and that their detention was illegal,” Salleh said in his latest blog entry sskeruak.blogspot.my.

On Monday, several Barisan Nasional (BN) heavyweights together with Dr Mahathir held a press conference to condemning the detention of Khairuddin and Matthias.

Among those present were UMNO Deputy President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, UMNO Vice President Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and UMNO Gua Musang Division Chief Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, former UMNO secretary general Tan Sri Sanusi Junid and former MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

The Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court on Monday granted two weeks for the prosecution to gather evidence to sanction the case of Khairuddin and Matthias who are currently being held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, or SOSMA.

The duo had been charged with sabotaging the country’s banking and financial services.

Khairuddin had earlier been remanded for six days beginning Sept 19 under Section 124C of the Penal Code on charges of engaging in activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

On Sept 23, Khairuddin was rearrested at the Jalan Duta Court Complex under SOSMA 2012 for acts of sabotage.

Lawyer Matthias meanwhile was detained on Oct 8 while visiting his client Khairuddin at the Dang Wangi police station.