'NGO-organised ceramah sabotaged by Pakatan'

An Umno Youth leader complained that a ceramah organised by a Malay NGO in Kepala Batas was sabotaged by Pakatan Rakyat's supporters.

The Kepala Batas Youth Movement, a newly-formed Malay NGO, was allegedly threatened by Pakatan Rakyat supporters for organising the ‘Save Malaysia- This is the true story' ceramah in Kampung Paya Keladi Tengah last night.

Umno Kepala Batas youth chief Reezal Merican Naina Merican (left) said when he was invited to chair the talk, the Malay NGO told him they had to overcome unexpected problems to ensure that the event did not fail.

"They told me they were extorted, threatened and there was even a police report lodged against the organisers of the event," alleged Rizal at the two hour ceramah last night.

"Their banners, buntings and posters were ripped apart and shredded into pieces."

Rizal added that state government agencies like the Seberang Perai municipal council were ‘used' to sabotage the event.

"I want to ask (PR supporters) why are they afraid of (Bayan Baru independent MP ) Zahrain Hashim and (former PKR Youth chief) Ezam Mohd. Nor?" asked Rizal, referring to the two key speakers at the ceramah.

He answered himself saying: "They are afraid because the truth will reach the ears of the rakyat here."

Rizal claimed that PR was afraid because eventually the public will get to see behind the masks worn by their leaders and the truth behind the sandiwara (drama) played by them.

No attempted sabotage

He said that PR supporters were allowed to have ceramahs within the area but Umno had never attempted to sabotage the opposition's events.

"I, as youth chief, can order the sabotage of all the ceramahs in this area but we do not do it because we have morals and we respect the laws in this country," he added.

Rizal was referring to a complaint lodged by Penang Dapsy secretary Ng Wei Aik (right) who claimed that Umno had attempted to lure the people to attend its ceramah by displaying posters of Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim within the vicinity.

Ng, who is Lim's political secretary, said these dirty tactics indicated that Umno was willing to confuse the people to achieve its goal of disparaging PR leaders.

"This event is meant to spread slander although its theme was: ‘This is the real story'," added Ng, who is also Komtar assemblyperson.

"What is the real story except fantasies created by Umno themselves."

He called on Umno to stop these tactics and also urged the villagers not to attend such events as they were only meant to spread lies, as the real story could not be revealed by leaders supported by Umno.