news flash

A skirmish occurred between two groups of protesters who were outside the MCA headquarters as the party's central committee discussed its takeover of Nanyang Press, the publisher of two major Chinese dailies.

At about 4.15pm about 150 protestors led by opposition party DAP gathered in front of Wisma MCA in Kuala Lumpur.

Headed by DAP secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock, the group carried a banner which read: "Disaster for Chinese community and Malaysian Democracy".

Fifteen minutes later, a group from MCA led by Perak state assembly representative Hor Chong Sin arrived bearing a banner stating:"We support the acquisition of Nanyang Holdings".

Both groups began reciting songs and tried to outdo each other. DAP supporters chanted, "press freedom", while MCA responded with, "we support MCA".

Tensions heightened when Hor flashed an obscene hand signal at the DAP crowd. Kerk responded by urging Hor not to agitate the crowd.

"We do our part (to calm the supporters), and you do your part," said Kerk.

"Go back to DAP! Wallop!" Hor shouted in reply.

A scuffle then broke out between two young men on the staircase of the Wisma MCA entrance. The two shoved, punched and kicked each other.

About 20 riot police officers moved in soon after and kept the crowd separated into two groups.

However, no arrests were made after a representative from human rights group Suaram negotiated with the police.

MCA deputy president Lim Ah Lek arrived at about 4.40pm and was cheered by the crowd. Some rushed forward to shake his hand.

The party's central committee meeting began at 5pm.

It is expected that supporters of party leader Dr Ling Liong Sik who backed the controversial Nanyang takeover, will face intense grilling from Lim's faction as well as health minister Chua Jui Meng who yesterday expressed grave reservations over the deal in a seven-page handwritten statement.

[Full story to follow]