SPM Students Out On Police Bail, Cops Say Arrests Lawful Amid Criticisms
Hulu Selangor police released the boys early once investigations concluded despite obtaining a two-day remand order.
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Recently, two teen boys were arrested for using profanities and insulting Singapore while ranting about their SPM History paper.
On 24 February, the boys were subjected to a police house raid and urine drug tests, which they tested negative.
The decision to arrest the students has been criticised for being a heavy-handed approach by several parties.
READ MORE: 2 SPM Students Arrested For Using Profanity And Insults During Video Rant
In response to the backlash, Hulu Selangor police said in a statement that they were merely following the law when they arrested the schoolboys based on a report lodged by a teacher.
District police chief Suffian Abdullah said everyone, including the two boys, is bound by the law.
Suffian said the boys were granted early release yesterday (26 February) once investigations had concluded, despite having obtained a two-day remand order.
However, the investigation is still ongoing under the Minor Offences Act and the Communications and Multimedia Act.
Previously, Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) director Zaid Malek was appalled because the authorities treated the boys like hardened criminals.
He demanded home minister Saifuddin Nasution and communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil explain the use of Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 against schoolchildren.
Meanwhile, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii called for investigations to be dropped as he believes the students should be given the necessary guidance and support instead of intimidation.
Youth civil society organisation Undi18 also criticised the heavy-handed approach of arresting the teens, stating that the decision would have affected their focus on the SPM examination.
This issue will indirectly disturb the focus and emotions of the students who are still sitting the SPM exam.
Undi18 said in a statement
Undi18 said the matter should have been handled by the school disciplinary board and its guidance and counselling units, which could have advised the boys as part of preventative measures, instead of involving the police.
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