Identifying crims KL style

OK... so yesterday I was the dutiful citizen, or resident at least, and went to the local police station to identify the low life that stole my handbag. This is probably one of the least pleasant cultural experiences of my time here.

ID-ing a suspect in KL doesn't work quite like it does on the movies - which I must admit is the closest of come to the process previously. I got led through what was a locked grill into the bowels of the police station, where Amin the school security guy I had brought along as a security blanket was made to wait, and into a room that looked suspiciously like a holding cell. Inside the room lined up against one wall was a rough looking assortment of 10 Malay men. I was then informed that I had to walk along a line in front of them (a metre at most away from them), and then back looking closely at their faces. Having completed this nerve wracking wander I nodded to the officer in charge to let him know I knew my thief. I was then informed that I had to go and touch the culprit on the arm. That task over I had to sit at the desk while they all watched me and remake my statement. Having that all done, I was escorted back out, and patted on the back telling me I'd done a good job.

Now I just have to hope that having him arrested means I may get some of my stuff back. Not holding my breath there! And hopefully he decided to plead guilty. I really don't want to have to testify in a Malaysian court. Who knows how that would happen!