Penang Umno has distanced itself from a NGO memorandum to the state government, protesting the open sale of pork in several places on the island.

State Umno chief Zainal Abidin Osman (right) said Tanjong division Youth vice-chief Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusof was acting in a personal capacity when he accompanied members of the Islamic Solidarity and Charity Organisation in submitting the memorandum last Friday.

"In our opinion, if the sale of pork is made in an open space and if this is against any by-laws or guidelines of the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP), we hope that the authorities can negotiate the matter with the traders in a proper and organised manner, taking into account the sensitivities of all quarters," Zainal told a press conference yesterday.

The memorandum calls for a ban on the open sale of pork in places such as Chulia Street, Kuantan Road and CY Choy Road, on the basis that the activity goes against Muslim sensitivities.

Gerakan has dismissed the demand as a non-issue, pointing out that such sales had been conducted even during BN rule of the state prior to 2008.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has accused the NGO of being "unfair and insensitive" to non-Muslims, adding that Umno's words cannot be trusted.

However, Zainal said it is unfair to deem that Umno endorses the actions of members who are involved in NGOs.

He denied that the party practises " samseng (gangster) politics" in serving the people, recalling instances where Pakatan Rakyat members had been involved in ‘aggressive behaviour’.

Zainal said Himpunan Hijau leader Wong Tack had gatecrashed an Australia Day event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre last week to submit a memorandum to Lynas Corporation officers.

"Wasn't he DAP's Bentong candidate in the last election? Does DAP approve of his action? Isn't the DAP practising gangster politics?" Zainal asked.

"And have Penangites forgotten the gangsterish behaviour of former Komtar assemblyperson and Lim's political secretary Ng Wei Aik, who joined the MPPP to raid an Indian Muslim restaurant several years ago?

"We regret the double standards practised by certain quarters towards Umno. It is not fair to blame the party for everything or to accuse us of gangster politics just because there are certain individuals who behave roughly.”

Ng, the incumbent Tanjong MP, has since issued an apology that has been accepted by the restaurant owner.