Perak police chief defends arrests

(NST) IPOH: State police chief Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah yesterday defended the police action in arresting 19 people, including Pakatan Rakyat elected representatives, earlier in the day for an illegal gathering.

He said the move was to safeguard the interests of the public.

"We want to ensure that the people of Perak enjoy a peaceful environment without having their peace shattered by irresponsible segments of society," Zulkifli said yesterday.

Stressing that police had acted fairly in arresting eight Pakatan representatives when they refused to follow police instructions to disperse, he said the duty of the police was to uphold the law.

"Until and unless these laws are repealed, the police will regulate public-related activities.

"Whether some people like the current laws is another matter."

Asked about public perception that police were biased in carrying out their duties by only arresting Pakatan leaders and supporters, he said: "People should know that besides doing our regular crime prevention duties, we also have to protect them in other ways.

"We have a lot of responsibilities, but it is the duty of the police to ensure that the majority of the population in Perak can continue their daily routine without hindrance."

About 7am yesterday, police arrested five men, including three Myanmars, in front of the state DAP headquarters, when they were putting up a large yellow balloon with the words Daulat Tuanku. Bubarkan DUN (Long Live His Royal Highness. Dissolve the State Assembly).

Zulkifli said the five were being investigated under the Sedition Act.

They are workers of Etak Sdn Bhd, an event management company hired by Pakatan to provide equipment for the three-day hunger strike by its assemblymen that started at 11am yesterday.

As for the other 14, Zulkifli said their statements had been recorded, adding that they were released at 4.30pm.

They were investigated under the Police Act for taking part in an unlawful assembly, he said.