LONG-TIME Aliran member and former exco Sarajun Hoda Abdul Hassan, who was arrested yesterday evening, was released on police bail at 12.20am today. 

Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun confirmed the arrest and release, and said the activist was questioned over a statement he had posted online, which allegedly insulted Islam.

“We are investigating him under Section 298 of the Penal Code. He was released on bail and we will continue our investigations,” Fuzi told reporters this morning at an event at the police training centre.

One of the last Facebook posts Sarajun made before his arrest was a news report about the Federal Court ruling on the M. Indira Gandhi child conversion case.

According to another Facebook post this morning, Sarajun Hoda was met by other human rights activists, such as Penang Institute’s Dr Wong Chin Huat, Hakam chairman Ambiga Sreenevasan, Klang MP Dr Charles Santiago and Orang Asli activist Siti Kassim, upon his release from the Dang Wangi police station.

The Facebook post also said Sarajun will have to present himself to the police next month.

Set up in 1977, Aliran Kesedaran Negara (Aliran) is Malaysia’s first multiethnic reform movement dedicated to justice, freedom and solidarity. 

Listed on the roster of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations since 1987, Aliran’s main activity is publishing Aliran Monthly, a periodical to raise awareness on local human rights issues. – January 30, 2018.