He said the group, which included estate workers, had only intended to submit a memorandum and a draft bill seeking to make it compulsory for companies to provide housing for local plantation workers.

“There was no violence from our side,” he told reporters after giving his statement at the Dang Wangi police station today.

His lawyer, Shashi Devan, said police recorded Arutchelvan’s statement and showed him a video of the protest.

“Any arrest after today’s investigation may amount to abuse of police powers and process,” Shashi said.

“We hope the police will not continue to classify Arutchelvan as a suspect and that the investigation will end here.”

Arutchelvan, who was at the police station for about two hours, said reports would be lodged by other participants who claimed they were also harassed or assaulted.

Earlier, PSM secretary-general M Sivaranjani said Arutchelvan had been pushed to the ground and injured during the scuffle outside Parliament.

The incident took place when police stopped a group of over 100 estate workers, led by Arutchelvan, from marching to the Parliament gates. The group had walked from Taman Tugu to submit their demands.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadli Marsus said the clash left an officer injured and the case is being investigated under Section 353 of the Penal Code for using criminal force to deter a public servant from carrying out their duty, and Section 427 for mischief.

The decision to probe the incident under Section 353 drew brickbats from rights NGO Suara Rakyat Malaysia, who called it a “troubling escalation” and warned against criminalising public assemblies.

Its executive director Azura Nasron said the provision was “grossly disproportionate” as the protest was peaceful and police had blocked the group’s approach.