Police today arrested nine people, including five women, after they refused to follow police order to disperse while demonstrating in Taman Desa Puri, in Tasek Gelugor against the use of the novel ‘Interlok' as a Malay literature textbook in schools.

NONEThe nine, aged between 18 and 42, who called themselves the Malaysia Tamil Students' Group, had gathered without a permit from 10.10am.

They demanded that the relevant authorities ban the novel, which they claimed had insulted the Indian community by using the word ‘pariah' for the lowest caste in the Indian community.

Seberang Perai Utara police chief ACP Zulkifli Illias said those arrested for defying the police order to disperse were taken to the Tasek Gelugor police station for their statements to be recorded.

He said police also seized several posters brought by the protesters to the demonstration, and the case was being investigated under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing public servants in the discharge of their public functions.

Zulkifli hoped their arrest would not be politicised as police had acted in accordance with the law.

- Bernama