DanielYKL

No Malaysiakini, Malaysia Insider or Malaysia Today, let alone The Star, NST, or any major Chinese newspapers were there as Paula Khoo alias masterwordsmith reports to the Patani Road Police Headquarters today. But then there were a dozen or so faithful bloggers and friends and supporters were there to show their support to Paula.  Jarod came all the way from KL, and Jong and partner from Ipoh.

Penang bloggers Lucia Lai, Kansan and Richard, Howie and son Andrew were also there. My apology if I missed out some of the names.

 

Paula was arrested for being part of an “illegal assembly” and also as the organizer of the candle light vigil which was held on 15th Nov at the Esplanade, Penang.

 

What “illegal gathering?” I was there. Paula and her friend, Howie were just jamming on their guitars and bashing out songs like, “Blowing in the wind, Sing a song of freedom, You raise me up and Bridge over trouble water!”  The people, with a lighted candle in their hands, just sing along with them. What’s so wrong about that? And that got her into trouble!

 

What “illegal gathering?’ Member of Parliament YB Chong Eng was there too. And I don’t think YB Chong Eng would be involved in something “illegal.”  There were also a handful of lawyers there are the vigil that night too. Not that they were there with sticks and stones to create havoc! No they were just there to show their support against the ISA. And what’s wrong with that?

 

Anyway, the police came and gave the crowd 10 minutes to disperse. And disperse they did, peacefully. Then as Paula and friends were packing away the equipments, the police arrested Paula and took her in to the Police Headquarters for questioning.

And today, Paula was told that her bail has been extended to 28th January 2009 (smacked on the 3rd day of Chinese New Year), for whatever reasons only God knows.

 

We later adjourned to the mamak stall nearby for some teh tarik and roti canai. While we were there YB Chong Eng and Jagdeep Singh called up Paula to check on the progress. So very thoughtful of them. Paula said she really appreciate all the support and encouragement but what she really wish for is the word “Batalkan” on her police report. And forget about the whole “ordeal.” But as for now she has to just bear with all the anxiety and fear for the next two months not knowing what is going to happen.

  

For goodness sake, she is just a peace-loving teacher, mother and a wife. She is not a threat to anybody!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

Paula Khoo and friends outside the Patani Road Police Headquarters

 

Paula Khoo and her lawyer, Cecil Rajendran leaving the police station.

 

 

Some of the supporters from left to right: Kansan, Jong, Paula’s hubby, Paula, Woon, Lucia, Ted, (Me), Jarod and Howie

 

A “LEGAL GATHERINGS” at the mamak stall! Thumbs up to Paula Khoo