154 PPS members held after parade

GEORGE TOWN : Police detained 154 state voluntary patrol unit members (PPS) after their participation in the state-level Merdeka parade in Esplanade today.
Also arrested was Penang Environment, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh (pix), who is the state voluntary patrol unit (PPS) coordinator.
The group, who were clad in their purple vest uniform, were picked up by the police soon after the march past in Lebuh Light at 10.10am.
Family members and several elected representatives gathered at the Lebuh Pantai police station to show their support for the security unit.
Phee said the state will leave it to the lawyers to handle the case.
He said PPS had in fact provided valuable services to society in keeping the peace.
According to police sources, 154 members were detained and their vests, membership cards and other items were confiscated.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had issued an ultimatum to the remaining 9,000 plus members to surrender or face police action.
"Better for those responsible for PPS in Penang to surrender before we (police) raid their homes," he said.
In an immediate response, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh Deo said the PPS members will get legal representation led by him personally.
He said those detained will probably be remanded for a night but was not sure on what charge.
"Under the law , the police have to get a remand order within 24 hours", he said adding that there is no necessity for them to be remanded.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said an announcement will be made tomorrow as it is understood the Exco will be discussing the matter.
He said the state will be providing legal assistance to those detained adding that all members in custody were cooperative with the authorities while PPS will cooperate with investigators.
"The state is ready to leave the matter to the courts to decide if needed," he said in a press conference today after visiting those detained at the northeast district police headquarters here.
Lim was initially barred from entering the premises in Jalan Patani when he arrived but was later allowed in via the side gate.