IGP: No guarantee LTTE-linked suspects freed in time for Deepavali

There is no guarantee that 12 individuals detained over suspected links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) will be allowed home in time for the Deepavali celebrations this weekend, according to inspector-general of police Abdul Hamid Bador.

Abdul Hamid told reporters last night that a move to release them from detention under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) will depend on the outcome of ongoing police investigations, as well as a decision by the Attorney-General's Chambers on whether to press charges or otherwise.

"Investigators are speeding up investigations to hand over the probe papers to the AG's chambers. So that process still needs time.

"Although I sympathise that the Deepavali celebrations are fast approaching, our actions were only carried out on grounds of national security," said Abdul Hamid.

"Therefore I ask the family members and all parties concerned to be patient until we can complete the investigation papers," he said after attending PDRM 2018 Sports Award gala dinner at the police training centre (Pulapol) in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Police had earlier this month moved to crack down on suspected LTTE links here with the arrest of seven individuals, including two DAP assemblypersons from Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.

Two days later on Oct 12, five more suspects were arrested in Melaka during a day-long operation by the police.

Abdul Hamid further reassured that the Sosma detainees will be given their due rights under the law, including visits from family members.

"I guarantee that their conditions are always taken care of and we will give all the rights provided under the law for family members to visit them, we will provide that access," said Hamid.

Suspects detained under Sosma could be held without trial for up to 28 days at a stretch. Police, however, have powers to repeatedly detain them for up to 28 days each time.

On Monday, five of the 12 suspects had filed habeas corpus applications at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex to secure their immediate release.