Police Attack of Citizens Singing National Anthem Contempt of Nation and King

We the undersigned civil society groups express our strongest condemnation on the brutal attack by policemen on 100-strong Malaysians singing the national anthem last night in the BERSIH peaceful gathering in Civic Centre Petaling Jaya. It is not only an outright human rights violation, but also an outrageous contempt of the Nation and the King.

We urge Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Syed Albar to immediately apologize and Selangor Chief Police Officer Deputy Comm Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar to resign or be transferred over the matter. We call on all Malaysians to unite, regardless of our political persuasion, to unite in defending the national symbol and human rights.

We stress that, first and foremost, it is Malaysians' birth right to peacefully assemble, enshrined in the Article 10 of the Federal Constitution. Police dispersion of members of public gathering peacefully is contempt of the Constitution. The police has therefore acted unconstitutionally in dispersing the gathering to commemorate the 1st anniversary of November 10 BERSIH rally and to demand for abolition of ISA.

We are further deeply appalled by the unusual manner of police dispersing citizens in peaceful gathering. Usually, the police officer would demand the crowd to disperse within five minutes before taking any action. While Malaysians are taught from young to stand still when the national anthem is sung, the police acted as if they had so much contempt for Negaraku that the singing must be stopped and the singers punished.

We express our grave concern on the excessive force used. A 53-year-old woman Dian Abdullah was attacked from the back by a few policemen caused her to fall and injured the back of her head. She was left bleeding and was only hospitalized to have four stitches by a by-stander. Petaling Jaya parliamentarian Tony Pua and Kampung Tunku state assemblyperson Lau Weng San were also manhandled and punched.

Ironically, some were assaulted by the members of Malaysian Royal Police (PDRM) when they were singing "Raja Kita (Selamat Bertakhta) [May Our King (reigns in peace)]. The 1109 police attack on the citizens, the nation and the monarchy has just proved the dire need to have the Independent Police Misconduct and Complaint Commission (IPCMC) established.

The undersigned Organizations:

1. Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH)

2. Writer Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)

Tony Pua : Been Released and Back in Parliament

Tony Pua : Philosophy Politics Economics

Just a quick note to everyone who have shown great concern, I'm out of the police station now on personal bond (I think that's what it is) and am currently in parliament, in time to ask my scheduled question for No. 2.

I'm due to check back with the police station together with the other 23 persons who were arrested on the 24th November.

I'm in good spirits, so no one needs to worry, will write more later. The Public Accounts Committee is schedule to convene at 11.30am as well to discuss further on the Eurocopter issues.

Crazy Arrest Action ~ Tony Pua Has Been Arrested

Tony Pua - Philosophy Politics Economics

Was at the candlelight vigil against ISA as well as to commemorate the first anniversary of BERSIH gathering. the story you can read from Malaysiakini.

I was arrested while seeking out Ronnie Liu and the senior police officers in charge to make sure that everyone is ok.

the CPO Selangor issued the call to arrest me, and 2 guys came over to grab one arm each and pushed me towards the Black Maria.

I stated that I will walk, don't be rough but they tore my shirt instead. I repeated my call and 3 other police officers came at me, one with the knees into my belly while another attempted to kick my shin.

They then chucked me against the back of the Black Maria truck and shoved me up despite me stating that I can climb myself.

Apparently after waiting some 2 hours plus, it appears that they are going to keep us for the night here, and charge us tomorrow.

Weng San was also assaulted and had major bruises and some bleeding on the face. He saw the police who assaulted him here at the station, and Ronnie confronted him for his name. he appeared shaken by the demand and he refused to give his name and gave insted some very rude retorts.

Will update if I have sufficient battery. We are in good spirits and the lawyers have just been allowed in. So don't worry guys and gals :-)

Ah, and yes, its my first time. Not at all glamourous. :-)