Two PPS members among three charged with affray

GEORGE TOWN: A social activist and two members of the state voluntary patrol unit (PPS) were charged with fighting in public at the Penang magistrate's court today.
Activist Ong Eu Soon, 51, and PPS members Lee Chan Kwong, 36, and Lee Yew Kuen, 66, were alleged to have committed the offence in front of the Bandar Baru Air Itam wet market at 10.45pm on Aug 17.
The charge comes under Section 160 of the Penal Code for committing affray which is punishable with a maximum six-month prison stay, a RM1,000 maximum fine, or both.
All three claimed trial to the charges after DPP Datuk Razali Che Ani read the charge before magistrate L. Umma Devi.
Razali had asked for RM2,000 bail but defence counsel R. S. N. Rayer, who was representing the two Lees, asked for a lower amount.
"They are part-time workers and have families to care for," he told the court while Ong was unrepresented.
Umma Devi set bail at RM1,200 in one surety each and fixed Oct 31 for mention.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar told Bernama in Kota Baru that investigation into PPS will take some time due to the large number of members in the entity.
He was speaking to reporters after opening the 35th biennial delegates meeting of the Police Administrative and Civilian Staff Union here.
The PPS reportedly has about 10,000 members. Police had arrested 156 PPS members, including its chairman Phee Boon Poh who is also chairman of the state Welfare, Caring Society and Environment committee, for having ignored a reminder not to engage in activities as an unregistered body.