Vigils held in other states calling for Maria’s release

Apart from the vigil held in solidarity with Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah at Dataran Merdeka last night, vigils were also held in other states for Maria, who is currently detained under the Special Offences (Security Measures) Act (Sosma).

In Penang, some 200 Bersih supporters gathered outside the Penang police headquarters in support of Maria and they also called for the abolition of Sosma.

The crowd of concerned citizens led by Bersih northern region chapter chairperson Toh Kin Woon started trickling in from 8.30pm. They were seen holding candles and also carrying placards condemning detention without trial.

NGO representatives from Aliran and political leaders from PKR and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) were also at the vigil.

Chanting “Bebas Maria”, “Mansuh Sosma” and “Hidup Rakyat”, they also recited poems while the many cars that passed by honked in support.

Bersih southern region vice-chairperson Ong Lai Mun required the group to observe a moment of silence and prayer, before shouting "Kita Semua Maria Chin" for five times.

They then marched about 50 metres and sang “Suara Rakyat” and “Negaraku” before dispersing peacefully.

In Johor, although the crowd was smaller, the vigil there was spirited, which consisted of some 70 supporters who mostly wore yellow, gathering outside the Johor Bahru Selatan district police station.

This was the second candlelight vigil demanding the release of Maria held in the state.

“The government pledged to use Sosma against terrorists, not against political activity,” said Thomas Fann (photo above), a member of the Bersih steering committee.

“Maria is no terrorist, she's a single mother. I'm proud to know her.

“This is not about one person, it's for our nation," Fann said, greeted by loud cheers from the crowd and stoic silence from the police.

Last night's vigil at Dataran Merdeka saw former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad attending it and calling for Maria's release.

Apart from being detained under Sosma, which allows for detention without trial of up to 28 days, Maria is also being investigated under Section 124C of the Penal Code for engaging in activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

Bersih intends to hold the vigils daily until Maria is freed. -Mkini