Police rapped for harassing cyclists
Athi VeerangganPublished: Dec 18, 2008 3:12 AM | Updated: Dec 18, 2008 3:16 AM
Police action against the 'Ride for Change' cyclists has drawn flak from various quarters in Penang, with some even suggesting that it was politically motivated.
Police action against the 'Ride for Change' cyclists has drawn flak from various quarters in Penang, with some even suggesting that it was politically motivated.
Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong said the constant harassment against the cyclists over the past 16 days reflected badly on the police and gave the impression that the authorities do not tolerate political expression of minors.
He said the police's actions and accusation of so-called 'child exploitation' and 'illegal procession' were simply 'ridiculous'.
"The cycling tour participated by non-threatening youths who wanted to convey a message through physical hardship should be encouraged not oppressed," he told Malaysiakini today.
Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) Penang-based coordinator RS Thanenthiran also said that the police should tolerate and accept the legitimate political expression of the minors.
Unlike the Mat Rempits, he said, Jerit cyclists were taking part in a healthy activity for a noble cause and pointed out that the minors joined the campaign with the consent of their parents.
"Malaysian police are now the laughing stock of the international community for their own folly,” he said.
'Cowardly action'
MCA Bayan Baru division vice-chairperson Ooi Chuan Aik said the action on the cyclists was unwarranted and the police should use their resources to combat crimes instead.
"The police should have observed Jerit's activities first before resorting to any action if at all there was violation of the law," he said.
Penang Watch coordinator BK Ong criticised the police for acting on the behalf of certain higher-up authorities to harass the cyclists.
"These power-crazy politicians are harassing peaceful campainers by hiding behind the police power. It's a cowardly action," he said.
Ong warned that the country was heading towards a dangerous trend where the police were rapidly misused as an instrument to clampdown on political dissent, expression and opinions.
"Police are supposed to protect the taxpayers, not the selfish interests of power-crazed politicians,” he said.
Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong said the constant harassment against the cyclists over the past 16 days reflected badly on the police and gave the impression that the authorities do not tolerate political expression of minors.He said the police's actions and accusation of so-called 'child exploitation' and 'illegal procession' were simply 'ridiculous'.
"The cycling tour participated by non-threatening youths who wanted to convey a message through physical hardship should be encouraged not oppressed," he told Malaysiakini today.
Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) Penang-based coordinator RS Thanenthiran also said that the police should tolerate and accept the legitimate political expression of the minors.Unlike the Mat Rempits, he said, Jerit cyclists were taking part in a healthy activity for a noble cause and pointed out that the minors joined the campaign with the consent of their parents.
"Malaysian police are now the laughing stock of the international community for their own folly,” he said.
'Cowardly action'
MCA Bayan Baru division vice-chairperson Ooi Chuan Aik said the action on the cyclists was unwarranted and the police should use their resources to combat crimes instead.
"The police should have observed Jerit's activities first before resorting to any action if at all there was violation of the law," he said.Penang Watch coordinator BK Ong criticised the police for acting on the behalf of certain higher-up authorities to harass the cyclists.
"These power-crazy politicians are harassing peaceful campainers by hiding behind the police power. It's a cowardly action," he said.
Ong warned that the country was heading towards a dangerous trend where the police were rapidly misused as an instrument to clampdown on political dissent, expression and opinions.
"Police are supposed to protect the taxpayers, not the selfish interests of power-crazed politicians,” he said.
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