Matthias' detention under SOSMA extended for another 28 days - Lawyers

The detention of Matthias Chang, the lawyer representing former Batu Kawan UMNO vice-chief Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan, has been extended for 28 days beginning Friday.

Matthias’ lawyer, Mohd Akmal Afiq told Astro AWANI, the extension was made by the police under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).

“We, on behalf of the team representing Matthias, is in the midst of finalising papers to block the extension which will be filed at the courts on Monday,” Mohd Akmal said, adding that the documents were in Bahasa Melayu and English.

Matthias went on a hunger strike since Thursday in a bid to uphold ‘justice, truth and honour’, as stated in his press statement.

“He was still continuing the hunger strike and seemed still strong and in high spirits,” Mohd Akmal said.

Commenting on media the statement released by Matthias after he was detained, Mohd Akmal explained, it had been prepared earlier as Matthias knew he would face similar a similar fate as Khairuddin.

“It had been prepared before he was detained. When it did happen, he had ordered his personal aide to release the media statement,” he said.

On September 28, Matthias was called to record a statement at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters over a case against the former Batu Kawan UMNO vice-chief.

Khairuddin was previously remanded for six days beginning Sept 19 under Section 124C of the Penal Code on charges of undertaking activities that were detrimental to parliamentary democracy.