IN recent weeks, the candle light (Mesra rakyat) vigils have been raided by the police who deemed the gathering as illegal. Each time we gather, they will come and warn us that we are illegal and ask us to dismiss. We would dismiss after about 10mins, always after the National Anthem.
Last week, the police seemed adamant about arresting people...they had already gathered and formed a cordon around the few vigilists there. However, with good sense on both sides, nothing untoward happened.
Now this week, today the CPO advised the State Exco that we should apply for a permit. I was informed that the MB had thus advised that we should do so. I am of the opinion that yes we could do so and I hope the police will approve in good will.
On the other hand, there is also our principle that we should not need a permit for such a gathering within a closed area, and having had the consent of the Datuk Bandar to use the premises.
Applying for the permit means giving in to the "abuse of power" of the police. However, on the other hand, I also hope that we can have our Mesra gathering without being disturbed and harassed by the police. I would like to encourage and see more young people coming out and standing up for a better Malaysia.
Following the "awareness" at the wake and funeral of Markus, Anak Bangsa Malaysia, there would be more young people coming out. However, the police harassment would than send these young people back into the closet.
So where do we go from here.........petey is troubled...:-(
