Mazlan is not a criminal, Amanah says over Felda activist's arrest

PETALING JAYA: Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) has denounced the arrest of its central leadership committee member and Felda activist Mazlan Aliman, early this morning.
Stating that the arrest was politically motivated, Amanah secretary-general Mohd Anuar Tahir called for the authorities to release Mazlan from custody as soon as possible.
"Mazlan is a determined activist that has fought for the rights of settlers, and was outspoken in criticising the wrongdoings of any leader especially over Felda-related issues," he said.
"He is not a criminal, he is a fighter of the rakyat. Any action that should be taken must be based on reasonable legal process," he said in a statement.
Mazlan, who is the chairman of Persatuan Anak Peneroka Felda Kebangsaan (Anak), was arrested by the police at 1.35am today. He was arrested under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
A lawyer representing Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor lodged a police report on Monday claiming defamation over a YouTube video allegedly linking the wife of the Prime Minister with a sturgeon project.
Meanwhile, Amanah youth vice-chairman Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin, expressed his disappointment over police conduct for arresting Mazlan past midnight, questioning the necessity for such an action.
"What great crime has Mazlan done that the authorities could not wait until daytime to arrest him?" he asked.
Describing Mazlan as an advocate of the Felda settler's rights, Shazni Munir said the party's youth wing would conduct a series of campaigns as a show of solidarity for the activist.
"We want the real criminal to be arrested and not those who fight for the rakyat," he said.
Meanwhile in Johor, Johor Amanah chairman Aminolhuda Hassan and over 20 supporters turned up at the Kulai police headquarters in a show of solidarity for Mazlan at 9am today.