Special Branch: She's held for causing religous tension

Selangor executive committee member Teresa Kok was arrested under the Internal Security Act yesterday evening for allegedly causing tension and conflict among races as laid out in the notice issued by the Special Branch police to her next of kin.

The notice stated that Kok had acted in a way which threatened national security, which warranted arrest under Section 73(1) of the ISA.

It added that the Seputeh member of parliament had become a national threat by being involved in "activities which can cause tension and conflict among races and religion".

The notice also stated that her digital camera, car keys and house keys were also confiscated in the process.

Political insiders said it was possible her arrest was also related to a report in the Utusan Malaysia newspaper, which alleged she was behind a petition to lower the sound volume for the azan at several mosques.

Kok had denied the allegations and threatened to sue the newspaper and former Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Khir Toyo for making the allegation.Kok becomes the first female member of parliament to be detained under the ISA.

No Access To Lawyers

In a related development, Kok's counsel Sankara Nair has slammed the police for denying access to his client.

In his complaint letter to inspector-general of police Musa Hassan, Sankara said that he had tried to gain access to his client at the Wangsa Maju district police station where she was held late last night.

"The police has denied fundamental rights enshrined in the federal constitution for us to meet our clients immediately after an arrest," he said.

Sankara also urged Musa to allow immediate access to his client and be furnished with relevant information regarding the arrest.