Malaysian arrested over Singapore riots

A Malaysian is among the 28 individuals picked up by Singapore authorities for possible involvement in a riot at Little India late on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Anifah Aman told Astro Awanithat five other Malaysians, serving as auxiliary police personnel there, had sustained minor injuries while assisting the Singaporean authorities.

While stressing that this is an “internal matter”, he said that his ministry will cooperate with Singapore over the incident.

“The Malaysian High Commission will render the necessary consular assistance to the affected Malaysians in coordination with the authorities of Singapore,” he said.

However, Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Husni Zai Yaacob later toldThe Star that the detained Malaysian had since been released, as relayed to him by the Singapore police today.

"We have asked for more information on the man, what he is doing, but the police promised to provide the information later," Husni had said.

It was reported that chaos erupted after a private bus knocked down and killed Indian national Sakthivel Kumaravelu, 33, in the Little India area.

A crowd of about 400 damaged several police vehicles, overturning at least two, and set an ambulance on fire.

Such rioting is rare in Singapore.

The Straits Times reported that 24 people - aged between 22 and 40 - were taken to court and charged with rioting. The case will be mentioned on Dec 17.

Singapore police have reportedly said that two individuals - believed to be Bangladeshis - were released after investigations indicated they were not involved.

The remaining two in custody are said to be an Indian national and a Singapore permanent resident.  

In a related development, the 55-year-old bus driver who is said to have run over the Indian national was to be charged today with causing death by a negligent act, reported Today Online.