Why are opposition figures treated like criminals during midnight arrests?

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Opposition Figures Subjected to Harsh Arrest Tactics Amidst Political Crackdown

Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan has publicly questioned Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar regarding the stringent measures, including midnight arrests and the use of handcuffs and ski masks, employed against opposition lawmakers and activists. This treatment stands in stark contrast to the handling of certain Umno leaders who were investigated for inciting boycotts and making false claims but had their statements recorded via telephone. The intensified police actions follow Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's conviction on February 10, leading to a series of arrests and investigations targeting critics and supporters of the opposition.
Disparities in Law Enforcement Handling

Ambiga highlighted a significant disparity in how individuals are treated by the police based on their political affiliation. While opposition figures like PAS’s Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad and PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli faced pre-dawn raids and subsequent detention for their involvement in the #KitaLawan rallies and sedition, Umno leaders such as Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Mashitah Ibrahim underwent investigations for their statements without similar physical apprehension. Ismail Sabri was investigated for encouraging a boycott of Chinese traders, and Mashitah for falsely alleging a Quran burning incident.
Questioning the Treatment of Elected Representatives

The manner in which opposition figures are being detained has drawn criticism for its severity. Rafizi Ramli, for instance, was detained for sedition in relation to a circular about a rally and subsequently remanded. Selangor Speaker Hannah Yeoh expressed her disapproval, questioning the necessity of such harsh treatment for an elected representative who, in her view, was speaking out against corruption and injustice. The use of handcuffs and ski masks during the arrest of individuals like Rafizi has been specifically cited as an example of treating citizens like criminals.
Broad Crackdown on Dissent

Since Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy conviction on February 10, the police have reportedly engaged in a widespread crackdown on dissent. This has resulted in the arrest of over a dozen individuals at #KitaLawan rallies and investigations into others for tweets critical of Anwar's jailing. Sedition probes have been initiated against a range of figures, including political cartoonist Zunar, Dr Afif Bahardin, S. Arutchelvan, Eric Paulsen, and Michelle Yesudas, indicating a broad sweep of individuals perceived as critical of the government or its actions.
IGP's Defence of Police Actions

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar has defended the police's actions, stating that while freedom of expression is respected, there will be no compromise against individuals who cause public unrest. This stance suggests a justification for the stringent measures taken, framing them as necessary to maintain public order and prevent disruptions. However, the contrasting treatment of opposition figures versus Umno leaders continues to fuel debate and criticism regarding the impartiality of law enforcement.

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Why are opposition figures treated like criminals during midnight arrests?

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