Night in the lock-up

Admin

WORRIED relatives milled around the gates of the Penang North-East District police headquarters from noon on Merdeka Day till late at night on Sept 1.

Amongst them were some familiar faces of the family members of Seri Delima assemblymember RSN Rayer and exco member Phee Boon Poh.

Phee’s wife, Ooi Suat Cheng, who has been a constant source of comfort for the people around, even to media members on duty at tragedy sites, funerals and other tense situation was now the one in distress.

She would be around those places when Phee was working, handing out drinks, snacks and giving motherly reminders to reporters to ensure they have enough water to drink.

However, she and her daughter, Syn Tze, were the ones standing outside the gates of the police station, worrying if Phee had taken his meals.

A host of Phee’s siblings and other relatives waited through the night.

Though composed and strong, Ooi shed tears of joy when Phee was released around 6pm on Sept 1.

The happy news of Phee’s release was marred by Rayer’s arrest.
Rayer, who had gone into the station around 4pm for questioning, was detained for a night and released the next morning on Sept 4.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who had access to enter the police headquarters building, brought back updates to Ooi and Syn Tze who had to wait outside, assuring them that Phee was fine.
“Your father is very strong. He is ok. So both of you must remain strong for him,” he told Syn Tze and her mother.

Lim also assured Rayer’s father, wife and siblings of the same thing while the family members waited for hhim (Rayer).

Lim stayed through the day and night with the Voluntary Patrol Unit (PPS) members in the police station.

He said his presence there was to make sure that the PPS members know that the state government is with them.

He was either in the building with those detained or outside attending to worried relatives.

One mother sobbed uncontrollably and was given an assuring hug by Lim.

All the PPS members were released within 24 hours in several batches, starting with women and senior citizens followed by the rest.

Red roses were handed out to them as a sign of care and solidarity with them.