Local NGO Suara Anak-Anak Malaysia tried to prevent a human rights group from handing in a memorandum seeking the release of Parti Sosialis Malaysia activists held in remand in Penang until Friday.

Leader of the NGO Mohamed Ghani Abd Jiman demanded a copy of the document from NGO representative Hui Fei, while questioning her background, when she was distributing copies to the press outside the state police headquarters on Penang Road yesterday.

NONE When Hui Fei refused to do so, Mohamed Ghani shouted at: "Who are you? I am Malaysian, how can you distribute such a thing?.

"This is seditious...go away, I do not want to see your face anymore. If you do not want to obey the law, go back to your country of origin."

Hui Fei then gave him a copy but Mohamed Ghani continued his tirade against her.

He was supported by a group of about 10, who shouted, "We need to defend the nation's sovereignty. Do no let them in (the police HQ)".

Later, a group of policemen stood watch as several members of the NGO - along with LLG Cultural and Development Centre chairperson Toh Kin Woon and Suaram Penang coordinator Ong Jing Cheng - managed to enter the building and hand over the memo to Ayub's representative.

Meanwhile, OCPD Gan Kon Meng came out and ordered Mohamed Ghani firmly not to block the road to the police headquarters.

No other action was taken against him.

Heckling match migrates

Five minutes later, Toh tried to hold a press conference near the entrance to the premises, but Mohamed Ghani and his supporters started heckling.

NONE "Datuk... go, you are not allowed to hold your press conference here," said Gan.

The group then moved to Mydin, an Indian Muslim restaurant nearby, but Mohamed Ghani tailed them, trying to disrupt the gathering by speaking and laughing loudly.

Mohamed Ghani attacked Toh, saying "Why ask an old man to become a spokesperson, he is almost dead already."

He also criticised Toh for quitting the Gerakan in 2008, accusing him of leaving the party after he failed to benefit from it.

"Who gave you the datukship?" he queried, but Toh ignored him.

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