Former Umno leader Khairuddin Abu Hassan has been arrested tonight for attempting to 'topple the government'.

His lawyer Matthias Chang told Malaysiakini that Khairuddin has been brought to the Dang Wangi district police headquarters and is being investigated under Section 124C of the Penal Code.

"Police have not interrogated him and will hold him overnight. They will file for remand tomorrow morning at 9.30am with the Dang Wangi magistrate," Chang ( photo ) said.

Khairuddin's wife, actress Umie Aida told Malaysiakini he was arrested at their home in Mont Kiara at 7.30pm.

"Everything happens for a reason. If you trust in Allah, InsyaAllah, it will all be fine," she said.

It is understood that he was arrested by officers from Bukit Aman.

Khairuddin was detained just hours after saying he didn't give a damn about the police and was prepared to be arrested.

Earlier today, the former Batu Kawan Umno deputy chief discovered that he and Chang have been barred from leaving the country.

He was supposed to go to Bukit Aman on Monday for questioning over documents he submitted to the Swiss authorities regarding the 1MDB scandal.

Besides Switzerland, Khairuddin has also lodged reports on 1MDB in London , Singapore , and Hong Kong .

He said he did so to fight for the people against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Najib has repeatedly denied misusing 1MDB funds for his own personal gain and vowed to solve the 1MDB imbroglio soon.

The prime minister and several others have claimed that there is a conspiracy to topple him and government.