Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said police still needed to investigate the 12 individuals that included two state assemblymen from Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, who were detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.

“The investigating team is expediting to complete the investigation papers for submission and further action by the Attorney General’s Chambers, on whether to reject or bring the cases to court,” he said.

“I sympathise with the families as Deepavali is approaching. But we had to act, in the interest and for security. For the families who are unhappy, please bear with us.

“Rest assured the detainees are well taken care of and we will allow them any right that are within the confines of the law. Their families can visit. We will allow them,” he said.

Some family members of the detainees had gathered in protest since yesterday at Bukit Aman, and to urge police to release and allow their loved ones to celebrate Deepavali.