Thosai saga: Khalid sad but glad

Expressing disappointment that the thosai carnival has been called off, the deputy police chief also commends both WargaAMAN and Ikhlas, saying all should follow their example.

PETALING JAYA: Deputy Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar is disappointed that the thosai carnival slated to be held outside his house has been cancelled.

He quipped that his neighbours, friends and police officers, who were looking forward to the event, were also saddened by the latest development.

“My neighbours even told me that after the event, we should rename the road in front of my house and call it ‘lorong thosai’,” he joked.

On a more serious note, Khalid said he was glad that both WargaAMAN and Ikhlas decided to call off their respective plans.

Indian-based NGO WargaAMAN wanted to set up a thosai stall outside Khalid’s house on Sunday whereas Ikhlas, which represents small traders, scrapped its proposal to hold another protest outside Bersih chairperson S Ambiga’s house.

Last week, Ikhlas set up a burger stall outside the former Bar Council president’s house in Bukit Damansara to protest the losses incurred during the Bersih 3.0 rally on April 28.

WargaAMAN decided against the thosai stall after being advised not to do so by Ambiga, former Perak menteri besar Nizar Jamaluddin and DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang.

‘If only all would listen’

Commenting on this, Khalid commended both NGOs for their willingness to heed the advice and make a rational decision.

“It will be good if everyone does the same and react in this manner,” he told FMT.

“If all quarters wanting to organise protest and rallies listen to advice, especially from the police which is in the business of maintaining security, then such events can be held in an orderly and peaceful manner,” he said.

Khalid also explained his earlier statement regarding the burger protest outside Ambiga’s house which drew flak.

“I was asked by a reporter why the police did not take action, so I replied that based on the law, there was no criminal offence committed. But if the protest flouted local council by-laws, then it is up to the respective local council to act.

“On a personal note, I too disagree with these protests. It is definitely wrong to disturb the privacy of an individual,” he said.

Asked about WargaAMAN’s 24-hour deadline for him to order a “thosai telur”, Khalid said that he did not want to trouble the NGO.

“I know where to get a delicious thosai telur from a nearby restaurant, but I thank them for the offer,” he added.

Yesterday, WargaAMAN said if Khalid placed an order within 24 hours, a delegation from the NGO would deliver the thosai to his residence.

Previously, the DIG welcomed the thosai stall plan, which WargaAMAN had claimed was an event to promote the Indian dish, but suggested that it be held at a nearby field since his house’s location was not suitable.

Khalid had also made a special request that the NGO serve him a thosai telur.