Over the past few months, we have had many candlelight vigils. They have been all peaceful and usually, it was more like a gathering of old friends and new found friends. Friends we made through meeting at the candlelight vigil.
However, I guess these sort of peaceful gathering grates on the authority because it is not their style to see people speaking up through peaceful gatherings like those. Tonight, they have shown their fangs.
Based on what I read, it seems that the FRU and the police have acted violently, dragging some of the people there and manhandled them. Are these rough actions needed? Of course not. But it is their way of showing their powers.
So, what do the rest of us do? Do we cower in fear? Do we run away? Or do we continue with what we believe in, i.e. peaceful gathering in the spirit of unity? To be united with our fellow Malaysians who demanded for the abolishment of ISA?
I read on Anil Netto’s blog, through one of his commentor who witnessed the pandemonium that Father Paulino (Miranda of Church of Divine Mercy, Shah Alam) was arrested as well. I hope someone can confirm this?
Eric Chua on November 9th, 2008 at 11.30pm
Anil,
Just read that Fr. Paulino has also been arrested. Feeling very sad and angry at the same time. Hopefully those arrested are being treated fairly. Hopefully Haris is there to ensure that the righs of those arrested are being protected. Praying that Human Rights lawyers reading my comments will rush to the PJ Police Station immediately. Please…. do whatever is necessary!!!
Please go over to Anil’s blog for the updates and I hope we will know who are the ones arrested. I know a group of Penangites including Lucia were there in PJ to give support to this candelight vigil.
Let’s come together and pray that justice will prevail and all good things will come out of this unfortunate event.
Added : I found another comment on Malaysia Today’s website :
written by Sword of Justice, November 10, 2008 00:17:03
One Father Polino Catholic Priest of Shah Alam church is one of those arrested. He apparently was in his robes and still he gets arrested.
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