Penangites must sent a strong message to “gangsters and hooligans” that they will not back down under threats to reclaim their public spaces in the state, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today.

Lim said the experience of being attacked by such groups may be frightening, but Penangites must have the courage to stand up to such hooligans.

He lauded the courage of Bersih northern region coordinator Toh Kin Woon, who continued his speech at a rally to demand the release of the electoral reform coalition chief Maria Chin Abdullah at the Esplanade on Sunday.

The was after a group of 20 hecklers tried to barge on the 100-odd Bersih supporters to disrupt the gathering, but their efforts were thwarted by plainclothes and riot police.

Maria was released on Monday, with the police having finished questioning her. The police also issued a warning that she may be re-arrested, under the Peaceful Assembly Act.

“About six years ago, these hooligans also attacked reporters,” Lim said at a press conference in Komtar, while pointing to a reporter, saying he was one of the victims during an anti-Guan Eng rally on the old Penang bridge in 2010.

“Sometimes, it is necessary, and important, to remind Penangites to look at the real face of the Barisan Nasional and Umno.

“This is their real face. They attack you, they hit you, they assault you. For them, the only freedom they believe in is the freedom to lie,” Lim stressed.

He said this when asked about his government’s plan to reclaim public spaces for Penangites, which now seem unsafe for those who wish to express their views, especially in Komtar and at Speakers Square at the Esplanade.

“Penangites must stand up and not bow to threats, or else the freedom that we fought so hard for will be taken away,” Lim said.

No plan to increase security

Asked if the state government planned to increase security at Komtar, Lim said he has no plan to do so.

He said the state government could maintain the security of government premises (in the offices), but not in the concourse areas on the third floor or on the other floors.

“I still believe that we must not allow these gangsters and hooligans to dictate the way we live, for we want to live in peace and not under threat,” he said.

“We will discuss further with government leaders and the police on how to reclaim our public spaces in Penang,” Lim added.

The matter would be raised with the police to enhance the security of these places.

He then expressed appreciation that Speakers Square has been allowed to operate and function peacefully since it was set up.

The Speakers Square was launched by the Penang government in May 2010, as a tribute to free speech.

“We want to thank the police for not interfering with those who want to speak their minds,” Lim said.

“Now, the challenge is to maintain peace and order against those gangsters who use violence to disrupt peaceful gatherings.”

Lim said places such as Komtar, where the state government administrative offices are housed, are public places.

The people have the right to come to such places, including “hooligans and gangsters”, he added.

“I find it very shocking that a cartoon exhibition had to be surrounded by police. We have come to that stage!”

Last Friday, the Penang Umno Youth wing led by its chief Rafizal Abdul Rahim disrupted a cartoon exhibition in Komtar by Zunar, whose real name is Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque.

Rafizal said the cartoons were an insult and lies about Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Zunar was detained for one day under Section 504 of the Penal Code for attempting to breach peace and under the Sedition Act as well - his 10th arrest so far - for insulting Najib.