Syed Azidi Syed Aziz, who runs the popular “Kickdefella” blog, was arrested Wednesday at his home in northern Malaysia. He sparked a controversy last month when he marked his country’s national day with an upside-down Malaysian flag as a form of protest against the government.

Yap Swee Seng, director of local human rights group Suaram, said Syed Azidi’s detention was “unjustifiable” and aimed at curtailing dissent.

“It’s part of the attempt by the government to control the bloggers, to send warning signals to bloggers, to writers that they can face action if their statements or their views are threatening to the government,” Yap said.

Local deputy police chief Idris Abdul Rafar said Syed Azidi will be held in custody for two days pending his investigation for suspected sedition.

No charges have been filed. Sedition in Malaysia is punishable by up to three years in prison.

Syed Azidi’s arrest comes amid a climate of political uncertainty as a resurgent opposition threatens to take over a government weakened by dissent and dissatisfaction against Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s leadership.

Another political blogger, a journalist and an opposition politician were arrested last week under the Internal Security Act, a law that allows for indefinite detention without trial. The journalist was released a day later after widespread anger, including by the law minister, who resigned in protest.

Last month, Abdullah said Syed Azidi should be investigated, and called his protest “a malicious act.” But Syed Azidi said he would continue his campaign to highlight Malaysia’s political and economic problems.

The government has repeatedly accused bloggers of spreading false information and lies to incite hatred. Unlike the mainstream media, which is controlled by ruling political parties, bloggers often write highly critical anti-government commentaries.

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