Why no action against those who threatened to burn down DAP building, asks lawmaker

Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/why-no-action-against-those-who-threatened-to-burn-down-dap-building-asks-l (BY LEE SHI-IAN, 6/6/2014)

DAP today urged the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) to probe into why police have not taken any action against the group who threatened to burn down the party’s headquarters last month following the “Umno celaka” remark uttered by a Penang assemblyman.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said the lack of action by police would set a dangerous precedent as anyone could threaten to burn down buildings without facing the consequences.

"If police do not act against the Umno Youth members who threatened to burn down the DAP headquarters, this could be taken as a precedent," he said at Menara Usahawan in Putrajaya.

On May 22, a group of Umno Youth members gathered outside the DAP headquarters in Kuala Lumpur and threatened to burn down the building.

Tension rose following the “Umno celaka” remark by DAP’s Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer in the Penang legislative assembly.

Armed with banners, some 50 Umno Youth members protested in front of the DAP headquarters and also damaged the party's signboard.

"At least four offences were committed by Umno Youth members under the Penal Code," Lim said.

First, the Umno Youth members had prevented a public officer from carrying out his duties, in this case, the police.

Second, they assaulted the DAP staff on the day of the protest.

Third, they assaulted the police as they were carrying out their duties, over which several policemen later lodged police reports.

Lastly, several Umno Youth members had openly threatened to burn down the DAP headquarters, which was criminal intimidation.

"DAP wants the EAIC to probe into whether police had received instructions from the powers-that-be not to pursue this case.

"With all the evidence in the form of videos and witnesses, why are police taking their own sweet time to take action?"

Lim said if standard operating procedure was followed, police would normally arrest and ask questions later.

"But in this case, the perpetrators were merely called to the police station to have their statements recorded before being released on police bail.

"They were not even remanded to further assist investigations," Lim said.

Also present at the press conference was Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun, who accused the police of practising double standard.

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