'Nothing To Hide 2.0' Programme Turns Into Ruckus




SHAH ALAM, Aug 13 (Bernama) --The 'Nothing To Hide 2.0' programme, organised by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's (PPBM) youth wing (Armada), at Dewan Raja Musa in Section 7 here turned into a ruckus with the throwing of flares, chairs, shoes and water bottles by several audience.

The pandemonium broke out at 5.10 pm after a male audience asked the party's chairman, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad over the Memali incident which occurred in Baling, Kedah, in September 1985.

When asked why the incident was declared as emergency and those involved were killed, Dr Mahathir explained that it was standard operating procedures for the police after four of its personnel perished in the incident.

However, as he was explaining, several individuals began throwing shoes, chairs and water bottles before the troublemakers ignited flares and thrown at the former prime minister who was standing in the middle of the stage.

The objects almost hit Dr Mahathir as well as several journalists and photographers who were in the vicinity.

The situation had caused panic among the audience which forced them to run to safety.

Several people were believed to have sustained minor injuries, while some audience were spotted getting into fist fights.

The programme began about 4pm with Dr Mahathir was invited to the stage to deliver his talk.

Armada chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, when met by reporters later, said he believed there were elements of sabotage by certain quarters in the incident.

He also said PPBM would leave the matter to the police to investigate and hoped that those responsible for such acts would serve justice.

"If any of our members (are found to be) in cahoots with the irresponsible parties, (then) we also urge the police to take action against them," he said.

Meanwhile, Shah Alam district police chief ACP Shafien Mamat said three male youths, aged between 17 and 19, were apprehended for alleged involvement in causing the ruckus.

"The 18- and 19-year-old are students of a private college, here while the 17-year-old is a school dropout," he said, adding that the police would also summon the organiser of the event to facilitate investigation.

Police have yet to receive any report lodged by the organiser over the incident as of late this afternoon, Shafien added.

-- BERNAMA