Mohd Norkhairi bin Mat Darus, 20 was arrested January 18, 2008 on suspicion of stealing a motorcycle. He was arrested under emergency ordinance (1969) which allows detention for two years without trial and has now been transferred to Simpang Renggam detention centre. <br /> <br />The order detaining Mohd Norkhairi under the EO was signed by Mohd Johari Baharum on March 7, 2008 -- on the eve of polling for the 12th general election. Strictly speaking, the country was without a government and Johari's position as the deputy minister for home affairs would not have been valid. <br /> <br />Suaram in calling for the release of Mohd Norkhairi under the EO, said that the EO is a denial of the rights of an individual and that the detention is unlawful as Johari's position did not exist when he signed the detention papers.
