I WAS driving along Penang Bridge heading towards Butterworth one Friday afternoon.

I was nearing the mid-span of the bridge when a policeman on a motorcycle surged forward at high speed with sirens and lights flashing, issuing instructions and waving at me to move to the side of the road.

He was escorting a very important person (VIP) with a few other policemen.

I was driving on the right side of the lane and the traffic on the bridge was heavy.

I could not move to the left as there were cars plus a small lorry in front of me. The policeman became impatient.

He managed to squeeze in beside me and knocked hard on my door. He was also cursing. This was followed by two other escorts who banged on my door, with one hitting the side mirror.

Soon, I moved to the left as the other drivers saw what was happening and gave way.

Being an experienced driver, I did not panic. A new driver could have panicked and got into an accident. Are the policemen going to be liable for the damage?

If it was an emergency, I could understand but if it was some datuk or member of parliament rushing for a “meeting”, should the police treat the people like this?

VIPs should understand that they should not step all over the people just because of their status. The police also should know that their aim is to protect the people and not endanger them.

I blame the VIPs because it is at their request that the policemen behave in such a way.

R.M., Kulim

Source: NST – December 29, 2008