Umno Youth was not involved in the "harassment" of a Suqiu leader yesterday as it considers the Suqiu controversy settled following the group's setting aside of seven sub-points of its election appeals, an Umno Youth leader said today.

Umno Youth Bureau chairman Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that Umno Youth was sincere in resolving the Suqiu matter in a gentlemanly manner and the question of using threats or gangsterism did not arise.

"We (Umno Youth) are sincere in this matter. This is the work of extremists and has nothing to do with us," Ismail told malaysiakini after a dialogue session between Umno Youth and the Land and Cooperatives Development Minister Kasitah Gaddam.

Last night, Ser Choon Ing, Suqiu (Malaysian Chinese Organisations' Election Appeals Committee) secretary claimed he was harassed by five Malay men outside his residence in Section 17, Petaling Jaya.

The men reportedly shouted at him in an intimidating manner and said Kurang ajar and Jangan awak ganggu orang Melayu (Do not disturb the Malays).

Ser, who feared for the safety of his family, lodged a report at the Damansara Utama police station last night.

Political gangsterism

Ismail said that he does not discount the fact that there are extremist groups out to make trouble as noted by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi recently.

"They can come from any sector of society, whether Malay, Chinese or Indians. These people are not happy to see others happy," he said.

Abdullah had warned several times that the Suqiu matter should be put to rest and implied that action will be taken against those who tried to stir up racial tension.

Meanwhile, DAP chief Lim Kit Siang described the incident as "pure political gangsterism and blackmail".

"All Malaysians must denounce such a threat as totally unacceptable behaviour, whether political or otherwise, in the country," said Lim.

He urged the police to take firm action to ensure the personal safety of Ser and his family.

He said that Malaysians, regardless of political beliefs, race or religion, can have strong and even vehement differences in their views and opinions, but there can be no room for any form of gangsterism.

Investigating officer Sergeant Ariffin of the Damasara Utama police station declined to comment on the incident. He confirmed that Ser had lodged a police report.

Demonstrations held

Seven of Suqiu's 83 sub-points which allegedly questioned Malay special rights were set aside on Jan 5 following a series of meetings between Umno Youth and Suqiu.

The pressure to put aside the appeals came about after a series of demonstrations against Suqiu, starting with Umno Youth's outside the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall in August.

The controversy heightened when Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad likened Suqiu to communists of the past and the Al Ma'unah Islamic militant cult.

When Suqiu refused to compromise, the Federation of Peninsular Malay Students (GPMS) threatened to hold nation-wide demonstrations and publicise their 100-point demand made to counter Suqiu's.