The auxillary police constable based at Pavilion, Irmalinda Zaimardy, 27, who was tasked with the security at the shopping complex, said the woman was detained because the balloons were yellow in colour and had words related to Bersih 4 Rally printed on it.
She said the rally was held a day before the ceremony.
However, the witness agreed that the balloons posed no danger as people in the surrounding areas appeared calm and were not running away.
Irmalinda said this during cross-examination by lawyer Melissa Sasidaran representing Bilqis Hijjas, at the trial of the 37-year-old dancer, who is also the daughter of renowned local architect Hijjaz Kasturi.
During re-examination by Deputy Public Prosecutor Norakmal Farhan Aziz on the ceremony which was in no way disrupted, the first witness said: “The incident interfered with my duty in protecting the safety of my employers, the public and VIPs, including the prime minister.”
The witness also said that, the act could have created havoc among the public.
Bilqis was charged with insulting behaviour intended to stir anger so that security may be compromised in a shopping centre, at level 5, Pavilion, Jalan Bukit Bintang, at 3.15pm on Aug 31 last year.
Bilqis, known as the “Balloon Girl” after the incident, was charged under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Ordinance 1955, which carries a maximum fine of RM100, if convicted.
On National Day Aug 31 last year, seven yellow balloons were released from the fifth floor in the mall while Prime Minister Najib Razak and Rosmah Mansor were watching an opening dance performance at the “DiverseCity 2015: Kuala Lumpur International Arts Festival”.
The hearing before Magistrate Mohd Faizal Ismail continues tomorrow.
– BERNAMA