Arutchelvan released on police bail after Dang Wangi probe

PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan was arrested, detained for about six hours and released on police bail at midnight over an incident during a memorandum handover outside Parliament on Aug 13.

He was freed after being questioned at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters, Kuala Lumpur.

Police had earlier issued a warrant of arrest against Arutchelvan, directing him to present himself at the station.

He was seen entering the station at 6pm yesterday, accompanied by his lawyers KS Bawani and Shashi Devan.

Speaking to PSM members and activists gathered outside, Arutchelvan credited his release to pressure mounted on the police by party colleagues and friends.

“We know that the pressure from friends really helped with my release today. Because they (the police) tried to release us but there was a bit of a ‘plan’ from above.

“Many times the (investigating officer) said the order hadn’t come down. But in the end, when a lot of pressure was put on by friends here, suddenly, ‘from above’ they said bail could be granted, and the bail was done and everything.

“So, thanks again to the two lawyers. We will continue the struggle in the future. Once again, we have proven that people power is sacred power,” he said.

Earlier, more than 30 PSM members and activists had gathered outside Dang Wangi to show solidarity with Arutchelvan.

Participants held candles and chanted slogans such as “hidup rakyat, bebaskan Arul” (long live the people, free Arul).

Memorandum melee

On Aug 13, police confirmed that the scuffle outside Parliament - which saw Arutchelvan falling to the ground - resulted in an officer being injured.

The march and gathering were aimed at submitting a memorandum to urge the government to enact a law that would require plantation companies to build housing for their workers.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said a report had been lodged and an investigation paper opened under Sections 353 and 427 of the Penal Code.

Video footage seen by Malaysiakini showed the commotion erupting between several estate workers and police after authorities attempted to block the march towards the Parliament entrance.

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