Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has urged the police to investigate the existence of the alleged Malay underground gangster group, which Penang Opposition leader Azhar Ibrahim threatened will not hesitate to wage war against the state government.

Lim, who held a press conference in Penang today, said he is not aware whether the gang dubbed 'Tiga Barisan' existed, but was told that it was a “criminal gang, very dangerous and very vicious”, and posed a big threat to Penangites.

NONE “Pakatan Rakyat state assemblypersons have lodged a police report ( right ) on the matter, and I hope the police will launch an investigation immediately,” said Lim.

“I hope they will investigate especially the statements of the Opposition leader, and ask him how he will get the Tiga Barisan to take action on the state government,” he added.

On Thursday, Azhar was referred to the rights and privileges committee for uttering alleged seditious statements.

During Lim’s winding-up speech, Azhar issued threats of a recurrence of May 13, of an army take-over and a possible attack by Tiga Barisan, if Malays and Muslims continue to be insulted.

Lim reiterated that Azhar’s statement was a serious threat even though it was uttered in the state assembly.

“I am sure the army will not do anything but using the threat of May 13 and criminal gangs are completely rejected by Penangites,” he said.

“This can cause public disorder, but (yet) these statements are unfortunately condoned by BN,” he lamented.

The Penang BN has distanced itself from Azhar’s statement after a meeting on the matter last week, but agreed that the latter was provoked by Lim’s closing speech.

‘Azhar must resign’

NONE Meanwhile, Lim demanded that Azhar issue a public apology to all Malaysians and hand in his resignation as opposition leader.

He also refuted Azhar’s claim that the chief minister’s racial statements had provoked his outburst on Thursday.

“I do not make any racial statements; I have always taken a Malaysian approach to resolve our national problems,” said Lim.

To prove his denial, Lim produced a copy of the Hansard and distributed it to reporters.

Lim reiterated that he did not discuss issues of race during his winding-up speech, but instead spoke about freedom of information and the open tender system.