George Town,Jan 23- The Penang police have recorded statements from those involved in the kangkung flash mob, allegedly started by PKR Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon, under Section 9 of the Peaceful Assembly Act (APA).
Statements were also recorded from those believed to be involved in the controversial and provocative banner of ‘May 13′ that was put up during a protest on Jan 18 against PKR’s ‘kangkung’ flash mob, that was held here last week. These people are being investigated under the Sedition Act.
Penang police chief Abdul Rahim Hanafi, when contacted by FMT, however did not reveal the number of statements recorded from both sides.
“Investigations are still underway and we will leave no stones unturned to do away with the stigma that police are bias and practice double standard when it comes to certain issues.
“I wish to stress that we carry out our investigations without taking sides; if one is found to have committed an offence, we will make arrests to facilitate investigations,” he said.
Penang Umno had on Jan 20 distanced itself from the controversial and provocative banner of ‘May 13′.
Insisting on Umno’s innocence, party state deputy chairman Reezal Merican Naina Merican instead blamed the Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon-led flash mob of inciting anger among local Malay groups.
He clarified that Umno was not the organiser of the protest in Seberang Jaya which was reportedly joined by 600 to 700 protesters from various Malay-based groups, including local Umno leaders.
Stalls’ Demolition Gets Ugly
Meanwhile on another matter, Abdul Rahim said that two arrests were made today following a scuffle which occurred yesterday when a demolition exercise on foods stalls in Teluk Bahang turned ugly.
An enforcement officer was roughed up by a local folk believed to be one of the traders there.
It was also reported that some of them were members of certain non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“The case is being investigated under Sections 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing the duty of a civil servant and Section 323 of the Penal Code for assault”.
“However the two arrested have no past criminal records and neither did they test positive for drugs,” he added.
When asked why police did not arrest them yesterday during the incident itself, Abdul Rahim said it could have caused more tension and furore.
“At the end of the day, arrests are still made; we police are nice people.
“We let them get settled first and go home to have dinner first then only we arrest them,” he said in jest.
-FreeMalaysiaToday
