Sungai Buloh PAS chief Zaharuddin Muhammad has purportedly been arrested by police in connection with the evictions in Kampung Sungai Baru, Kuala Lumpur, last week.
Selangor PAS Youth said Zaharuddin, the son-in-law of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, was arrested at his home around 1.30am today. He was reportedly then brought to the Dang Wangi police headquarters.
Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar claimed that Zaharuddin’s sudden arrest was due to him speaking out on the evictions of several residents in Kampung Sungai Baru.
“This is cruel and inhumane. Arresting a preacher in the middle of the night for speaking out for the people is an unacceptable form of intimidation,” he said in a statement.
A commotion erupted in Kampung Sungai Baru on Thursday when the authorities evicted residents from 37 houses.
During the protest by a group that opposed the evictions, Dang Wangi police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman was struck on the head by an object flung by one of the protesters.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said the authorities were merely executing a writ of vacant possession issued by the court for the 37 terrace houses. However, 14 homeowners refused to vacate their homes.
The cops later arrested three suspects in connection with the incident, while seven others were detained on Saturday. Police said the seven suspects were not residents but leaders and members of an “organisation”.
On Friday, federal police arrested a 69-year-old man who delivered a speech at Kampung Sungai Baru on suspicion of criminal intimidation, sedition, and improper use of network facilities.
FMT has reached out to Kuala Lumpur police for comment on Zaharuddin’s arrest.
