Police must have basis, solid evidence to detain leaders-- Zahid

The police must surely have the basis and solid evidence to detain Pakatan Rakyat vice-president Tian Chua and two others today under the Sedition Act 1948, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He stressed that he was not involved in the detention of the opposition leader as well as PAS activist Tamrin Tun Ghafar and Asalkan Bukan Umno (ABU) leader Haris Ibrahim.

"I left the matter to the police and I believe they have the basis and solid evidence to detain the three, and I played no part in the operations," he told reporters after attending a function at the National Registration Department here today.

On whether more opposition and non-governmental organisation leaders would be detained, Ahmad Zahidi said it was up to the police.

On Monday, he had cautioned that the government would no longer issue any warnings but will take serious action against anyone who acted irresponsibly to cause public disorder in the country.

He said the Inspector-General of Police, and department heads and agencies under the ministry had the authority to carry out their responsibilities according to their jurisdicdtion based on the law, without political interference.