A gathering in solidarity with Nat was held outside IPD Dang Wangi last night (15 July). It was organized in a short notice. Unfortunately, I was unable to be there because had to attend a program in Melaka.
I was pleased that the event went well. Some 100 people turned up. People lite candles, and there were lots of chanting and singing in front of the police station.
I am quite sure Nat could hear the cheers from the crowd. IPD Dang Wangi was my first lock-up experience. In 1996, I was locked in here for 10 days together with other APCET conference participants—including Dr Syed Husin, Dr Jomo, Steven Gan, Premesh Chandran, Dr Kua Kia Soong, Dr Nasir Hashim, Sivarasa Rasiah and many other NGO activists.
Nat might be placed in one of the inner roll of cells, farther away from the entrance, so that he could not hear the solidarity noises from outside. Yet in any case, other detainees would have told him that people were gathering in support of him.
I am sure Nat is treated with great admiration by all detainees, and especially the tai-kos (of the secret societies) would give him high respect.
Tonight, we should assemble again. Please come to show support, bring more people. I will certainly be there!
Tomorrow (17 July), Nat will be brought to court in Jalan Duta. He will be either charged or release without condition. There is also a possibility that the police might apply for further extension.
Please come to the court to demonstrate our support for Nat. Say no to arbitrary detention!
In the land where it appeared that justice is in hand of some power brokers, I won’t have much fate in the system that the commoners rely upon.
Only time will tell.
Whatever the outcome something ought to be done in te way the police had conducted it’s business. The episode highlight the need for more accountability of the law enforcement.
Justice must prevail !!
Our late Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman, while alive, did remind us that we are on the road to a Police State.
Even former Prime Minister Tun Hussein Onn shared such a serious sentiment.
If the good old Tunku and Tun Hussein are right, it is about time that Malaysians sit up and do something.
In a Police State, people are atomised or individualised. They are encouraged to be selfish and not care for their fellow citizens, especially those in trouble with the Police. The powers-that-be will discourage, subtly if they are smart, the gathering of the people.
The vigil is not just for Nathaniel Tan, but about the rakyat discouraging the march towards a Police State, if we are not already there.