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| Hii Tiong Huat launched a one-man protest in support of Bersih in Petaling Street today. He was later detained by the police. — Picture by Choo |
S'wak maverick activist arrested in Petaling Street
A maverick activist who had contested in the recent Sarawak state election was arrested by police after he brought his gimmicks to Kuala Lumpur today to protest against the crackdown on Bersih 2.0.
Hii Tiong Huat, clad in his trademark yellow T-shirt printed with his name, appeared at Petaling Street alone this afternoon holding up a self-made signboard and a Malaysia flag.
The yellow signboard depicted a set of handcuffs beside the word “Bersih”, followed by “Kotor (dirty) OK?”
Waving both the signboard and flag, Hii repeatedly shouted, “Bersih arrested, Kotor OK,” attracting the attention of many people including foreign tourists. Several vehicles also sounded their horns to show support.
Malaysiakini learnt that the activist has been putting up the same gimmick in Sibu city for the past two days but had been ignored by the local police as they are used to his eccentric behaviour.
He flew to Kuala Lumpur today and went to Petaling Street with his gimmick as soon as he touched down.
In less than five minutes, three police officers on motorbikes arrived at the tourist area and attempted to stop him.
A heated argument broke out between them, attracting more bystanders to stop and watch. Some of them started to record the incident with their camera while several shouted, “Police disturbing!” and “Is this an offence?”
Hii demanded that the police promise not to confiscate his MyKad before he would show it, but after police gave in, he only showed his passport, claiming that his MyKad had gone missing and the related police report was not with him.
When one of the policemen informed him that they had been ordered to arrest him, Hii, with his arm grabbed by the policeman, shouted back angrily: “What is my crime? Police, don't be rude! Why do you arrest me?”
Policeman: I'm discharging my duty based on orders. You should know that you can't show a Bersih signboard.
Hii: You should work for the people because your salary is paid by the people. Why are you arresting me?
Policeman: I will bring you to the police station first, then my officer will tell you the reason.
Hii: What is wrong with showing a signboard?
Patrol car arrives
Shortly after that a police patrol car arrived, and the two police officers got out and politely requested Hii to get in, repeating that they had received orders to arrest him.
“Then you go back and bring the order here to me. I promise I will wait for you here,” he replied.
He then complained that the police officers, who confiscated his passport, had cheated him because he had been promised he could retain his passport.
All five police officers, obviously trying hard to end the war of words as the number of onlookers grew, compromised and handed him the passport.
Hii, however, refused to take it and wanted the police officer to put it back into his back pocket.
Finally, after the officer had done so, Hii flashed a smile and agreed to get into the police car.
But before doing so, he waved to the crowd and called out “Bye-bye” with a grin.
He was then brought to the Dang Wangi police station. It was learnt later that efforts are being made to bail him out.
Hii Tiong Huat, clad in his trademark yellow T-shirt printed with his name, appeared at Petaling Street alone this afternoon holding up a self-made signboard and a Malaysia flag.
The yellow signboard depicted a set of handcuffs beside the word “Bersih”, followed by “Kotor (dirty) OK?”Waving both the signboard and flag, Hii repeatedly shouted, “Bersih arrested, Kotor OK,” attracting the attention of many people including foreign tourists. Several vehicles also sounded their horns to show support.
Malaysiakini learnt that the activist has been putting up the same gimmick in Sibu city for the past two days but had been ignored by the local police as they are used to his eccentric behaviour.
He flew to Kuala Lumpur today and went to Petaling Street with his gimmick as soon as he touched down.
In less than five minutes, three police officers on motorbikes arrived at the tourist area and attempted to stop him.
A heated argument broke out between them, attracting more bystanders to stop and watch. Some of them started to record the incident with their camera while several shouted, “Police disturbing!” and “Is this an offence?”
Hii demanded that the police promise not to confiscate his MyKad before he would show it, but after police gave in, he only showed his passport, claiming that his MyKad had gone missing and the related police report was not with him.
When one of the policemen informed him that they had been ordered to arrest him, Hii, with his arm grabbed by the policeman, shouted back angrily: “What is my crime? Police, don't be rude! Why do you arrest me?”
Policeman: I'm discharging my duty based on orders. You should know that you can't show a Bersih signboard.
Hii: You should work for the people because your salary is paid by the people. Why are you arresting me?
Policeman: I will bring you to the police station first, then my officer will tell you the reason.
Hii: What is wrong with showing a signboard?
Patrol car arrives
Shortly after that a police patrol car arrived, and the two police officers got out and politely requested Hii to get in, repeating that they had received orders to arrest him.
“Then you go back and bring the order here to me. I promise I will wait for you here,” he replied.He then complained that the police officers, who confiscated his passport, had cheated him because he had been promised he could retain his passport.
All five police officers, obviously trying hard to end the war of words as the number of onlookers grew, compromised and handed him the passport.
Hii, however, refused to take it and wanted the police officer to put it back into his back pocket.
Finally, after the officer had done so, Hii flashed a smile and agreed to get into the police car.
But before doing so, he waved to the crowd and called out “Bye-bye” with a grin.
He was then brought to the Dang Wangi police station. It was learnt later that efforts are being made to bail him out.
We will fight these BN crooks
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