Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng slammed the arrest of DAP Rasah MP Teo Kok Seong today for taking part in a peaceful rally.

However, he said, those who had intruded into the Penang state assembly last year could get off with a small fine.

"There wasn't any sort of provocation, as (Teo) took part in a peaceful assembly.

"So why was he detained? I strongly condemn the police action and the party will ensure we assist him the best we can," Lim told a press conference today.

Teo was detained after reporting to Dang Wangi police station in Kuala Lumpur today, after he was called in to give his statement on last Saturday's Kita Lawan rally.

Lim commented on the arrest while expressing his disappointment with the mild sentence handed to the 16 men ( above ) - including Perkasa Youth chief Rizuad Mohd Azudin, 37, and Penang Umno Youth vice-chief Jasmin Noordin, 40 - who barged into the Penang state legislative assembly last May.

He asked why the intruders into the state assembly were not charged under the Sedition Act, as their actions constituted acts of sedition.

Getting off with a RM1,500 fine, he said, would not serve as a deterrent.

"Is it because they are Umno members that they are given a light sentence?" he asked.

"It is important (to note that) the Penang state assembly, as a symbol of democracy, was desecrated. (It) was insulted and most recklessly violated by Umno gangsters.

"And if there is no strong action taken, it will be a green light for other Umno gangsters to continue to violate the state assembly and insult not just the state assembly, but the Federal Constitution," he said.

'AG must explain'

Lim also lamented that the prosecution had not consulted the state assembly when agreeing to a lesser charge.

"They should have at least asked the state assembly. And of course, the state assembly was not asked if this was agreed to," he said.

Lim ( right ) demanded the state prosecutor and the Attorney-General's Chambers explain why a lesser charge was allowed and if they would appeal for a heavier sentence.

"We feel very strongly that there should be an appeal to seek a heavier sentence," he added.

Last May 21, a group of angry protesters stormed the state assembly in search of Seri Delima assemblyperson RSN Rayer, after they were angered by his remark that Umno is " celaka " (damned).

They were later charged with trespassing.