PAS vice-president Husam Musa has been arrested today, in connection to his claim that those who die at the Black 505 rally at Padang Merbok will be considered "martyrs".

This was confirmed by the police in a post on its Facebook page. The police said that he was being investigated under Section 4 of the Sedition Act 1948 and was initially held at the Ampang police station before being brought to Kelantan for investigations.

azlan One of his aides said that he was arrested at about 3.47pm at  Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur while on route to Padang Merbok.

At about 6.15pm, he told Malaysiakini that he is being brought back to Kelantan.

Over the past few days, Malay dailies Berita Harian and Utusan Malaysia had featured a series of reports condemning Husam's "martyrdom" claim.

Among those who were quoted was Kelantan mufti Mohamad Shukri Mohamad, who said that those opposing a legitimate government were traitors and not martyrs.

Former PAS ulama committee member associate professor Mohd Nor Deris was quoted saying that Husam was not qualified to make such a "decree" and should be investigated.

On Monday, Harakah had published an article quoting Husam urging youths to attend the rally.

"If they sacrifice themselves, or some of us do, God willing, they will be syahid fi sabillah (martyrs)," he said.