The detention of Maria Chin Abdullah under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 was appropriate, said Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

Citing item (3) of the introductory portion of the act, he said Maria, as Bersih leader, had engaged in activities "which is prejudicial to public order in, or the security of, the federation or any part thereof".

Puad said Maria had organised Bersih 5 which was illegal under the law and this was a threat to public order.

Moreover, item (4) stressed that Sosma can be applied on any person who was trying "to procure the alteration, otherwise than by lawful means, of anything by law established", said Puad.

Read together, he added, would qualify Maria's detention under Sosma.