Four activists were arrested for gate-crashing a Burmese embassy reception at the Nikko Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday where they removed their shirts to reveal tee-shirts bearing the picture of Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.

In the incident, a group of 20 activists entered the hotel where the embassy's naval and air force attaches were holding a reception, catching the officials and guests by surprise. The police were alerted immediately but 16 protestors managed to evade arrest.

The four detained were three Malaysians, including two women and a Myanmar national. The Malaysians were released on Wednesday while the Myanmar national, Peter Hee Man is still being held at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters.

According to one of the arrested activists, KP Lee of the Burma Solidarity Group Malaysia, there were about 200 guests, mostly from the Malaysian military and government at the reception.

"Many diplomats from Asean countries were also there. They were all very surprised. The Burmese military officials were extremely embarrassed and angry," Lee told Bangkok-based Altsean-Burma today.

Military atrocities

Lee stated that when they were arrested, they were told by the police that they may be charged for trespassing into the private function.

"The two women who were arrested were actually held against their will by the Burmese security forces outside the ballroom. They were not wearing the Aung San Suu Kyi tee-shirts and were just taking photographs.

"The police also informed us that our Burmese friend, Hee Man, would be released the next day and re-arrested under the Immigration Act," said Lee.

Hee Man, who is without proper documents, has been in Malaysia for a few months seeking refugee status from the United Nations High Commisioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Dang Wangi police confirmed that he was being held for immigration offences.

Lee added the activists wanted to highlight the fact that thousands of Burmese were suffering from military atrocities while the embassy was throwing a party.

Meanwhile, DAP MP for Seputeh Teresa Kok told a press conference today that there is concern for the Myanmar national whom she fears will be deported to the Burma and subsequently persecuted.

Kok added the arrests were a gross injustice and a violation of human rights.

"It is ridiculous for the police to arrest and detain the activists in the lock-up for simply revealing t-shirts. It was a mild protest and not a demonstration.

"I will make an appointment to see the district police chief and write a letter to protest the arrests," Kok said.