Beneath the sodium lamp - the vigil against ISA

You said it, Saffron Sister.

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It grew out from Pasar Seni and an overcrowded Bar which was otherwise closed. Last night just as the Maghrib prayers cut the indigo air and our Muslim brethren gave thanks to another day of fasting, the candlelight vigil took root.

"Pegawai non-Muslim semua stand-by!" barked a senior-ranking cop. The Muslim cops had to break fast, and that was fine. They really didn't have to be there in the first place. We were only armed with resolve.

We took the path less traveled, the one trekked by WAMI. Wasn't a big group - 150-strong perhaps - which crossed over the bridge by Loke Yew Building, little people with paper fireflies. Spirited, principled. Civilised.

The usual bargaining. And a simple deal made between gentlemen, albeit without the warmth of a handshake - 10 mins to air the Message.





Songs were sung, brief speeches made, and a closing moment of silence. Short, sharp, sweet. And the candlelight troupe, having reached 15 metres from the flagpole, kept its deal and walked away.

And that's the little story few talked about last night - in contrast to the other arm, a mammoth march at a parallel street towards Puduraya.

Two scenarios unfolding almost simultaneously on two ends of the Padang. Two options for this govt to choose. Play it easy under the lonesome watch of sodium lamps without the drama and adrenaline, or draw the world's attention by remaining woefully stubborn and cruel.

Two options, but only one path - Free RPK, free the Hindraf 5, free all ISA detainees.

Pray they have the wisdom.