Switching Channels

Got a call this morning from an MP to help a group of Malaysians arrested by Police, in a fight with a group of Africans. They were Nigerians, apparently. 

The story we got from the Police was that the 4 were residents in an apartment where a large group of Africans resides too. The Police received reports that the Africans have harassed and even bullied the locals. The 4 Malaysians got into a scuffle with some Nigerians when the Malaysians switched Channel on TV, at a restaurant to watch the Malaysian FA Cup final between Kelantan and Selangor. The Nigerians wanted to watch another channel. 

What started from a small misunderstanding, escalated into a huge fight with many local residents joining in. Reports of injury and property damage were lodged with the Police. Apparently the Embassy got involved too.

The 4 chaps were arrested last night and now on 3 day remand. Together with some representative from the Majlis Perbandaran Selayang, we tried to assist the 4 chaps, and get an early release. The Police was quite helpful, and for the first time in a long time, I can sense that the Police really want to solve the crime as quick as possible.   

I have received complaints from friends of harassment from Africans living in their area too. It would not be right to stereotype the Africans, but I do hope people can learn to live together. If the foreigners dont understand our lifestyle, then share and educate them. But if the foreigners continue to be recalcitrant, ie getting drunk, verbally abuse or harass the locals, then then Police ought to get involved. 

And to have thought, all this due to one change of a TV Channel, though I think the fight was probably the result of accumulated tension and frustration.