October 27 marked the 30th anniversary of Operasi Lalang, which saw 106 people detained without trial and three newspapers’ publishing licence revoked. The episode is a grim reminder of what can happen in the absence of check and balance, and which has left a deep scar in the Malaysian psyche. To mark the day, The Malaysian Insight speaks to those involved in the dragnet – the victims and their families, detention centre wardens and police.
DR Chandra Muzaffar has carried a handwritten letter in his wallet for the past 30 years.
Comments