Six nabbed over disruption of ABU ceramah

Police have detained six youths to assist in investigations into the disruption of the ‘Anything But Umno’ (ABU) ceramah in Shah Alam on Saturday.

Shah Alam district police chief Zahedi Ayob, contacted today, said that those detained were aged between 16 and19 and comprised students, several SPM-leavers and a few unemployed. They were taken into custody in two batches yesterday afternoon and in the wee hours of this morning.

According to police, all six were released later in the morning.

He also clarified that those detained, held under Section 148 of the Penal Code, were not part of the incident but are believed to be able to assist police investigations.

Section 148 deals with the possession of weapons, including sticks, during a riot or public unrest.

“We will hold a press conference on this at the Shah Alam police headquarters at 4pm today,” he said.

Malay daily Sinar Harian reported today that a man in his late twenties had been detained, and that police will conduct additional arrests soon.

“Initial arrests will be made after this as we believe that the disruption was caused by several individuals, who were recognised by the members of the public who attended the rally,” Zahedi reportedly said.

‘Nothing happened’

Eyewitnesses claimed that the event held at the Shah Alam City Council hall in Jalan Kebun, co-organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force, was called off over safety concerns following a violent disruption by a group carrying sticks.

A man was injured and hospitalised following the scuffle.

Earlier, Selangor police chief Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah had said that “nothing happened” but nearby residents were unhappy.

ABU lodged a police report on the incident yesterday.

Speaking at his office in Shah Alam in the afternoon, Zahedi said that they are also searching for several local residents that may be able to assist in further investigations.

He also denied police collusion and involvement in the alleged fracas, saying that the lack of response from cops is because they were unaware of the disruption at the event until way after it happened, and not during or before, as was claimed by some quarters.

Zahedi maintained that no damage was sustained at the venue due to the attack.

“News that say there was damage to public property is false.”

He also urged organisers of ceramahs and similar events to inform the police in advance so that they can be prepared, and respect local sensitivities on the subject matter of speeches to avoid anyone from being unhappy with their event.