Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) is not happy that its activist may face charges in court following his attempt to defend several families who were evicted from a public housing project in Padang Tembak, Penang.

On June 5, Karthiges Rajamanickam tried to stop the eviction process and was arrested by police. Earlier, he held a protest with the affected families in Komtar, to seek a meeting with the Penang Housing Department officials.

PSM central committee member Choo Chon Kai said: "An inspector told Karthiges' lawyer that his client and one other protestor Nathan Munusamy, a friend of the affected families, will be charged in court under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public officer from carrying out his duties."

He said Karthiges and Nathan were nabbed by police at a home belonging to Mahathir Hajah Mydeen, a resident of the public housing.

"Mahathir was one of the residents who was instructed to vacate his home by the Penang housing department".

Choo said the duo were at Mahathir's house to show solidarity with the evicted residents who were "forced to vacate their homes".

He noted that Karthiges and Nathan were released from custody with a police bail on the same day they were arrested.

Choo recalled that residents in four public housing units were later offered alternative housing in Seberang Perai Selatan after a meeting was held between the affected families and the state government.  

Malaysiakini has contacted the police and Karthiges' lawyer for their response.