Malaysiakini Jul 1, 2012
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the police have once again failed to protect him from Perkasa activist, who often hound him in public.
Refering to the incident at the Teluk Bahang markets yesterday, Lim said the police took action too late, thus allowing Perkasa members to hurl projectiles at him.
“The inaction by the police probably emboldened a Perkasa member to suddenly charge up behind me and succeeded in brushing hard against me.
“I escaped injury. But if not for a PR local leader bravely dragging the Perkasa member away, I could have been injured,” said Lim in a press release today.
Lim said that while it was bad that the police failed to protect him, it was more disappointing that the police did not arrest the would-be assailant.
“Just imagine how harsh police reaction would have been if this had involved the Prime Minister and not the Chinese Pakatan Rakyat chief minister,” said Lim.
Record of violence
Lim said that the police have been duly informed about the Teluk Bahang visit and should have provided adequate protection.
He lamented that despite Perkasa’s record of violence against the public, reporters and Pakatan leaders, the group appears to have absolute immunity.
The incident at Teluk Bahang saw about 50 Perkasa supporters holding a small gathering while Lim was conducting a walkabout.
According to The Star, at least one shop was pasted with dozens of anti-Lim Guan Eng posters.
As Lim was about the leave the area, it was reported that one Perkasa supporter charged at him and a scuffle ensued. Nearby police personnel intervened later.
At least one Perkasa supporter claimed in his police report that he was manhandled.