The police today arrested Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) pro tem committee member Dr D Jeyakumar and several activists, including three women, when they tried to prevent the demolition of a house in Kampung Chekkadi, Ipoh Perak.

Those detained were non-governmental organisation Alaigal coordinators Moharani, 48, P Jody, 44 and G Pakialetchumy, 32. Also held were residents Charles Andrew, 23 and D Selvarajoo, 53.

According to a press release from PSM, the six were arrested at about 10.30am by a team of some 70 police personnel and taken to the Ipoh district police headquarters.

PSM claimed that the police did not have any court order to execute the demolition and the house owner, identified only as Ganesan, was not given any notice to vacate his property.

"There were around 20 people, including family members inside the house but the police selectively arrested six people," claimed the yet to be registered political party.

Housing lots

The party said Ganesan, who has been living in the area for the past 25 years, was offered a housing lot in 1993 together with all the other residents.

However, in 2000, the other 250 residents received their lots but Ganesan's name had been omitted from the list in 1998.

PSM said he then brought the matter to the attention of Perak Menteri Besar Tajol Rosli Ghazali and was assured by state executive councillor Ho Chen Wong that his problem will be resolved.

The party claimed that last Tuesday special officer to the menteri besar Rashidi Hashim referred the matter to the Land Office and asked the Office to take into account the previous appeal by Ganesan to the MB.

"His attempt to meet with (officials from) the Land Office failed as they were not interested to hear his plight and were adamant in demolishing his home," it said.

Ipoh district police chief Ismail Abdullah could not be reached for comment while state deputy CID chief Rahman Hasim also could not confirm the arrests when contacted.

Meanwhile the police watch and human rights committee, a voluntary organisation focusing on police brutalities, urged the Inspector General of Police Norian Mai to immediately order the release of the six and take necessary action against the police personnel involved in the alleged illegal arrest.

"We question the high handed action of the police in the arrests and victimisation of the six who were merely protecting the home of a fellow Malaysian," said the committee's chairperson RN Rajah in a statement.