Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar showed “utter contempt” for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s Merdeka message in less than 24 hours by ordering the mass arrests of a volunteer corps members in Penang, a senior DAP leader said today.

DAP national adviser Lim Kit Siang pointed out that less than a day after Najib delivered a ‘live’ Merdeka message of unity and peace, the IGP controversially ordered the mass arrest of Penang Volunteer Corps (PPS) members, just moments after they attended a Merdeka Day parade in Penang.

Lim said the incident was an “infamy” that had made the country and Najib the “laughing stock of the world”.

“Something has gone very wrong with our nation when good samaritans - ever-ready to give their time, energy and service to help less fortunate citizens, are treated as common criminals

"The police arrest of more than 150 PPS members after taking part in the Merdeka parade in Penang yesterday morning for being illegal is a total mockery of the unity message of this year's Merdeka anniversary," Lim said.

Lim said the IGP had "single handedly" reduced the Merdeka message of unity to "shambles".

"Silence, indifference or inaction by Najib about what happened in Penang yesterday is going to cost the country and Najib dearly in terms of international repute and esteem.

"If there are differences of opinion as to the legality of the PPS, let the matter be resolved by the courts in accordance with the law," Lim added.

At least 156 PPS members have been arrested overnight since yesterday in Penang by the police.

IGP Khalid justified this move, saying that PPS is illegal since it is not registered with the Registrar of Societies.

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