Media Statement by Loke Siew Fook in Petaling Jaya on Wednesday, 27^th May 2009:

The shameful number of absurd arrests has completely stripped off the dignity of Malaysians and the credibility of our police force

It’s painful and saddening to know that the number of absurd arrests made by the police since May 5 has now risen to an astounding 167. These arrests are unwarranted and are just plain ridiculous.

There are countless examples to illustrate the absurdity of such arrests and here are just a few: On May 6, 3 people were arrested for delivering a cake to the Prime Minister’s Office. On May 7, many people were arrested for just having their ‘teh tarik’ in a Mamak stall near the Perak State Assembly building, while a man was arrested for doing his morning jog near the area. On May 21, 16 people were arrested for celebrating a person’s birthday. And on yesterday, May 27,14 people were arrested for fasting, while two were arrested while having a chat.

Doesn’t this mean that Malaysian citizens can now be handcuffed and locked up for anything? What disease was our police personnel being infected with that made them arrest people en masse in a fit of madness?

The police have clearly not been carrying out their real duties of fighting crime and ensuring the safety of citizens. With the latest round of absurd arrests, the credibility of the Royal Malaysian Police has really gone down the drain. Unfortunately, the dignity of Malaysians has also been crushed by the police’s shameful acts!

DAPSY urges the police to carry out their real duties, which are to concentrate on fighting criminals and making Malaysia safe, and stop arresting peaceful vigilers and other ordinary citizens due to absurd reasons. The Home Ministry must make sure that such nonsensical arrests will not be repeated.

* Loke Siew Fook, DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) National Chairman & MP for Rasah