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.

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.

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.