The noisy protest over Seri Delima assemblyperson RSN Rayer's remark that Umno is "celaka" (damned) today escalated with about 10 protesters barging into the Penang state legislative assembly.

They entered the hall and one even tried to climb on Assembly speaker's Law Choo Kiang's table.

 

Law was not present at the time but his colleagues, assemblypersons Cheah Kah Peng and Jagdeep Singh Deo were there.

 

They shouted, "Where is Rayer's seat?" as they looked for the DAP Seri Delima assemblyperson.

Also annoyed were the media as many were not allowed into the premises.

 

Police personnel guarding the gate remained unmoved as reporters pleaded to be allowed in to do their job, waving their tags to no avail.

Media personnel were only let in after they staged a mini protest chanting "Let us in! Let us do our jobs! We are not samseng !" outside the House.

'Never in history'

The commotion happened just before the proceedings were to resume after lunch break.

It wasn't until the protestors were escorted out that proceedings resumed.

Among those who barged in was Jasmin Nordin, who is state Umno Youth deputy chief.

Bukit Tengah assemblyperson Ong Chin Wen left the House in a huff after he felt threatened when the group called out for Rayer, whose seat is next to Ong's.

Rayer and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng were absent from today's proceedings.

The commotion outside the House caused damage to the building's gates and the Penang and Malaysia flags.

Meanwhile, Law said that such violence and chaos had never happened in the history of the Penang state legislative assembly.

"There is still a civilised avenue to express your disatisfaction over an issue than barging violently into and dishonouring this honourable Dewan.

"I urge the police to immediately and seriously probe the incident and ensure the safety and security of all present in the House.

"The police have been asked to secure the state assembly until Friday, when the House adjourns," said Law, who is also the Bukit Tambun assemblyperson.

12 protesters arrested

According to Bernama , 12 were arrested over the incident and are being investigated for trespass.

Responding to the action, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said the group should not have barged into the hall, as this is not respectful to the legislative body.

“They are clearly upset by the ‘celaka’ remark, and the reason why they went to demonstrate is justified,” said Khairy before having a walkabout with the BN candidate for Teluk Intan by-election in the late evening.

“I support them to protest outside the building, but storming in the Dewan (hall) is definitely wrong,” he stressed.

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