Fearing for his safety, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has lodged a police report on what he claimed to be “violent threats” by Umno and Perkasa members.

NONE “... Should anything happen to me, Umno and Perkasa have to bear full responsibility,” Lim said in a statement today.

“It is up to the police to show that they can perform their duties without fear of favour by acting not only against the Umno and Perkasa members who assaulted the two reporters but also those who threatened me.”

He was referring to an incident on Sunday, when a group of Umno and Perkasa members allegedly attacked an anti-Lynas gathering at the Speaker’s Square in Penang.

The gathering was held in solidarity with the Himpunan Hijau 2.0 rally to protest the establishment of the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant in Gebeng, Kuantan.

The group rushed the anti-Lynas protestors and a melee ensued, during which Lim was verbally threatened and two reporters assaulted.

“Seeing their violent behaviour, I (have felt) threatened by Umno and Perkasa members nearly two days after the event,” Lim added.

‘Stop beating around the bush’

Himpunan Hijau 2.0 organising committee chairperson Wong Tack has, meanwhile, hit out at MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek for “beating around the bush” over the Lynas issue.

NONE “The political situation in this country is such that many politicians are unwilling to speak out and act on an issue if it will adversely affect their personal interests and political agendas,” Wong (centre in photo) noted.

He said that Chua, a leader with the backing of an established political machinery like MCA, should stop trying to avoid handling the issue and accusing  people of politicising it.    

Wong reminded Chua that politicians have been given a mandate to protect the well being of the people and the nation.

He believe politicians must not take this lightly, or continue to dodge or belittle those fighting for an issue which is of grave concern and closest to the people’s hearts.

“Therefore, it is very crucial that Chua exercises his political duty and moral responsibility. We are calling on him to stand up and provide the people with a truthful and brave,decisive statement on this issue,” he added.

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