DAP HQ raided, computer etc ‘detained’… what’s next?

This evening, the police raided the DAP office and carted away a computer and related equipment, ostensibly to facilitate investigations.

They brought along arrested Ulu Selangor councillor Ooi Leng Heng, handcuffed and attired in orange lock-up garb.

It’s the first time in history that the DAP HQ has been raided.

And all because 16 DAP activists held a little vigil - or was it a birthday celebration - a couple of days ago?

Now, in addition to being investigated for illegal assembly, the group could be charged under the Printing Presses and Publications Act for circulating a leaflet.

“Tangkap! Tangkap! Tangkap!” seems to be the recurring refrain these days, reflecting the zero-tolerance official policy towards vigils and political gatherings.

Human rights group Suaram has tabulated the recent series of arrests as follows:

5 May 2009
1 arrest – Wong Chin Huat
(He was released on the 8th May)
Arrest at apartment in Seri Sentosa, Kuala Lumpur and taken to Bukit Aman then to IPD Brickfields, KL

6 May 2009
3 arrests – Sani Md Shah, Saufi Mihat, Yasir Sheikh Abdul Rahman
(Released under police bail on the 7th May)
Sending birthday cake to Prime Minister in Putrajaya

6 May 2009
1 arrest – Mohamad Sabu
(Released on the 7th May)
Near the Harakah office in Jalan Pahang Barat, Kuala Lumpur.

6 May 2009
14 arrests
(Released under the police bail on the 6th May)
Candlelight vigil outside IPD Brickfields, KL

7 May 2009
69 arrests
(Released on the 7th May)
Ipoh, Perak

7 May 2009
20 arrests
- Law Teck Hao (arrested on 6 and 7 May)
(Released under police bail on the 8th May)
Candlelight vigil outside IPD Brickfields, KL

7 May 2009
1 arrest – Eng Kiat
(Released under police bail on the 8th May)
Candlelight vigil in Penang

7 May 2009
10 arrests
(Released under police bail on the 7th May)
Candlelight vigil in Sarawak

19 May 2009
11 arrests
- Teo Nie Ching (arrested on 6 and 19 May)
(Released on the 20th May at 3am)
Candlelight vigil outside DAP MP Teresa Kok’s office

21 May 2009
16 arrested in Teratai, Ampang
(They were remanded for 2 days)
- Jenice Lee (arrested on 7 May in Perak ,19 May and 21 May)
Candlelight vigil outside DAP Teratai Service Centre

Total: 146 arrests (142 individuals)

There seems to be a common thread running through nearly all these arrests: mostly public gatherings and mostly related to the BN takeover of Perak.

Sigh, what is happening to Malaysia? Is this what 1Malaysia is all about? Whither democracy?

But we should not despair or lose hope. Much progress has been made over the years in the struggle for democratic reforms. More and more people are yearning for democracy. Those who struggle for truth and justice will prevail in the end.