I am just back from visiting a friend in hospital in Penang today – a snatch theft victim.
She was walking home to her flat after work at 7.30pm a couple of nights ago when someone on a motobike sped up and suddenly tugged at her handbag slung over her shoulder. It didn’t come off easily and she lost her balance, fell to the ground and was dragged on the rough tar road for a bit (ouch!).
She won’t be able to walk for a week (but thank God, no fractures or concussion).
This is not improving my perception of the crime rate – and it’s going to get worse with the economy sliding downhill next year.
Meanwhile, Paula Khoo, the singer-guitarist-emcee who was arrested at a Penang Abolish ISA vigil a few weeks ago, continues to face uncertainty.
Shining the light for justice and freedom in the land
All eyes will now be on the vigils in Petaling Jaya and Ipoh tomorrow.
2358: The rumour goes out among those outside that B K Ong has been arrested. But Chin Tong confirms over the phone that B K Ong is safe and sound with him inside the station. The small crowd of about 20 outside the police station are now allowed to enter the premises.
2321: Chin Tong sends me a text message:
She’s actually arrested. But probably (to be) released soon.
2258: Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong has been allowed into the police station. He tells me over the phone he understands that she has not been formally arrested but they are questioning her at the moment.
2154: Four or five activists and friends, along with several journalists, are now outside the police station. They have not been allowed to enter the compound.
2133: Singer-guitarist Paula Khoo was detained by police as the Abolish ISA vigil in Penang drew to a close after 8.30 pm, just about 30 minutes after it had begun. Ironically, Paula, who was the emcee for the night, was detained minutes after leading the crowd in a rendition of “Sing a song of freedom”.
As the event was winding down, police including about a dozen light strike force personnel arrived. An officer using a loud hailer gave the crowd ten minutes to disperse as the riot police stood in a row behind him. The crowd gradually dispersed, but unknown to many of them, Paula was quietly led to a police van and taken to the Patani Road police station.
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