I am saddened by the death of the motorcyclist

who allegedly died in the hands of policemen after trying to evade a roadblock. I would like to share a harrowing experience which happened in Johor Bahru a few weeks back.

I was riding pillion on a colleague's motorbike after a movie at about 1.30am. As we were going back to our apartment, a few policemen suddenly came out from nowhere and asked us to stop. Because of the sudden stop we had to make, my friend almost lost control over the motorcycle. Without any warning, one of the men there who was not dressed in a police uniform grabbed our motorcycle key.

My colleague and I were ordered to step down and stand at the side of the road. No explanation was given and it was only later when we inquired that the officer in charge very rudely told us our 'offence' — that we were suspected of being involved in an illegal motorcycle race. We were stunned as we were only riding at a permitted speed as my friend is very careful on the road.

When I read about the unfortunate motorcyclist's death, it made me realise how the policemen have endangered not only our lives but theirs as well by stopping us the way they did. There were no warning signs for us to slow down or stop.

What is the point of the police having the mesra, cekap dan betul (friendly, efficient and right) motto if they have no intention of living up to it?

After these incidents, I doubt if the police are protectors of citizens like me. Possibly, we need to be protected from them, with their abusive and lawless ways.