Operation Lalang as told through Kua Kia Soong’s sketches

In his book "Lines of Freedom: Sketches of Operation Lalang," Kua Kia Soong captures the harsh realities of his 445-day detention during Operation Lalang in October 1987. As a prominent activist, Kua was arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) and placed at the Kamunting Detention Camp. Unable to capture these memories in writing, he turned to drawing, creating nearly 40 sketches of his surroundings, fellow detainees, and guards.

Many of these sketches first appeared in "445 Days Behind the Wire" (later revised as "445 Days Under Operation Lalang") in 1989. The book aims to remind Malaysians of the government's security crackdown and the importance of remembering these events. One of the sketches depicts "Lum Chai," or "Mr. 10%," a contractor who provided food and items to detainees for an additional 10%.

Kua's sketches also depict solitary confinement, which he described as an effort by the Special Branch to create sensory deprivation. Despite the passing of time, Kua emphasizes the ongoing need to remain vigilant against human rights abuses, as detention without trial still occurs today. His sketches provide an intimate look at life under detention, revealing both the hardship and the everyday moments that helped detainees endure.