What is "illegal assembly"?

After my first arrest, I met with a group of dedicated and courageous comrades from Malaysia Youth and Students Democratic Movement (DEMA). DEMA is a student and youth organisation that believes in genuine democracy and embraces human rights. DEMA had broaden my mind and had enlightened me to be more critical in my thinking. Most of all, the training of the organisation had awaken me from the ideal ivory tower and started to put my feet on the ground.

The picture shows my debut appearance in an anti-war protest. It was an assembly against America's attack on Afghanistan. We were assembling in front of Suria KLCC, with flowers, guitars, songs and speeches. The crowd was small and the gathering ended without any untoward incident. Though we had failed to stop the war, but at least we voiced our dissidence. No one can make use of us by categorising us as the "silent majority" who supported the war.

After bombarding Afghanistan, the hawkish Bush's administration launched an attack on Iraq. Bush had made used of the September 11 tragedy to justify the invasion. Unexpectedly, the war had stimulated a worldwide huge anti-war protest. Malaysia was part of the anti-war movement, and the crowd was much more bigger than the previous assembly in Suria KLCC. Thousands of anti-war crowd protested in front of the US embassy. The loudest slogan that the crowd chanted was "Drop Bush, Not Bomb!"

The Oppressed People Network (Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas - JERIT) organises Mayday celebration annually. The event aimed to remind the people about workers' contribution to the country. I was giving a short speech on behalf of DEMA in 2003 Mayday gathering, extending our gratitude to the workers. PSM (Malaysia Socialist Party) treasurer, Saudara Sivarajan was on my right, while my comrade cum housemate, Chong Soon was on my left.

On 8 June 2001, 500 students protested in front of the National Mosque on the use of the infamous ISA (Internal Security Act) by the government. They called for the abolishment of the act that permits detention without trial. Unfortunately, police dispersed the crowd forcefully and arrested 7 students. The 7, dubbed ISA-7 were suspended from their respective universities and were charged in court for participating "illegal assembly". In 2004, 300 students took part in a procession from the National Mosque to the KL Magistrate court, in support of the ISA-7. The police was equally brutal as previous, one student was pepper-sprayed while another one was arrested. I was one of the 3 negotiators and witnessed the rudeness of the police. The picture shows that my shirt was crassly pulled by a policeman.

Nevertheless, the 7 students were eventually acquitted by the court and some have resumed their studies. The one who was arrested in the procession was also released without charge by the police, after a few hours. This can be seen as one of the victories we obtained in the struggle. Viva Student Power!