October 1987 has embedded an indelible memory chip in Malaysian history. What began on Monday, Oct 26, and spread over a week is infamously known as Operasi Lalang (literally 'weeding operation'), spearheaded by former Inspector-General of Police Hanif Omar.

The initial swoop was discreet and swift, but exploded into a full-scale crackdown by the third day when then premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad acknowledged in Parliament - via a televised speech - that the detentions were necessary to maintain communal harmony.

It shocked the nation and sent ripples of concern around Commonwealth countries, from the UK to Australia. The events were fast moving, as fear hung like a stubborn haze over Malaysians and acute anxiety dogged families of detainees.