Journalist Susan Loone quizzed for 9 hours, out on bail

Appearing tired but calm, journalist Susan Loone (pic) emerged from the George Town district police headquarters at 11.45pm yesterday, after being grilled for almost nine hours over an article she had written.

The Malaysiakini assistant editor, who was released on police bail, said she was weary from the lengthy questioning, but added that the police treated her kindly and professionally.

"It was tiring but I somewhat expected it as I heard about the long hours from suspects I had interviewed," she said.

"I am happy to be released as I can celebrate my mother's 80th birthday on Monday," she added.

The report which appeared in the news portal on September 1 had quoted state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh, while under arrest overnight on August 31 over his role in Penang's Voluntary Patrol Unit (PPS), which has been deemed illegal by the inspector-general of police (IGP), as claiming that he was interrogated by the police for four hours and was treated like a "criminal". 

Both Loone and Phee are being investigated under Sedition Act for the reported comments.

Phee was also questioned last night in the same police headquarters, but for less than an hour, and was not arrested.

Earlier, Tanjung MP Ng Wei Aik was also released on police bail at 6.45pm after having been arrested for his involvement in PPS.

Ng, who is the state body's deputy commander, had gone in for questioning at 1pm.

He said two statements were taken from him, and that he is being investigated under section 43 of the Societies Act 1966.

Upon emerging from the headquarters, Ng told reporters that he was treated well during the whole period.

"I was treated politely by the police and I feel satisfied," he said.

He said he was queried on the support the state gave to PPS and how new members were vetted.

"We provided a list (of new members) to police, but there was no reply from the police," he said.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who accompanied him out, said he was unsure how many other leaders would be hauled up by police.

"The state government will cooperate with police, to make Penang safe, but stands firm against the bullying tactics of the IGP.”

He called on the public to help lodge police reports on crime while PPS remains suspended by the state, pending the outcome of any court decision on its legality.

Phee and Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer, who heads the PPS branch in his constituency, were also arrested earlier this week after 155 PPS members were held after participating in a march-past during the state-level Merdeka celebrations on August 31.

They were all released on police bail. – September 5, 2014.