– Tan Zhong Yan The Malaysian Insider September 04, 2013
The arrest of Datuk A. Samad Said just after midnight is certainly absurd, crazy and uncalled for. Is there a need for the police to arrest the old man at that hour when they can do so during the day?
Of course, everyone should be equal before the law and that no special position or privileges should be given to anyone including Pak Samad for his status as the national laureate but back to the question, is there such a need for this arrest to take place just after midnight?
The crime or offence that Pak Samad is investigated for is in connection with the flying of the Sang Saka Malaya flag and not for murder, rape or robbery. Pak Samad is not a hardcore criminal nor terrorist requiring the arrest to take place at such a late hour.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and our Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi should give a valid explanation with regard to the arrest or make a public apology to Pak Samad as arresting the man in that ungodly hour certainly seems to be an act of intimidation.
It is even more ridiculous when our IGP had earlier on claimed that Pak Samad was “hiding” from the police. This statement by the police chief seriously creates doubt as to the ability of our police force.
If the police are unable to even locate Pak Samad, an old man who was walking freely on the streets, how are we going to expect our police to deal with those criminals who are really hiding from the police?
Oh well, maybe the police have no other choice but to arrest Pak Samad just after midnight at his home before he goes into “hiding” again in the morning. – September 4, 2013.