Probe begins into fracas in Sembrong

Johor police have called up four individuals in connection with the fracas in Sembrong on Sunday night, in which Anwar Ibrahim’s car was damaged.

According to Kluang OCPD Abdul Majid Mohd Ali, the incident is being investigated under Sections 148 and 440 of the Penal Code.

These sections deal with rioting armed with weapons.

"Among those called up are eyewitnesses and those who lodged the report," Abdul Majid said in a telephone conversation last night.

He said police have not yet identified any suspect.

Abdul Majid declined to confirm PKR's allegation that the incident occurred under the watch of at least 20 uniformed police personnel.

"We did control the incident and will investigate the matter," he said.

PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution(right) said yesterday the incident at the local PKR office on Jalan Mersing involved "50-80 youths aged about 15-18 years".

Saifuddin said locals informed PKR that the youths, who were on motorcycles, had thrown "sticks, stones and firecrackers" at Anwar's car and that they were "Umno's people".

The windshield of Anwar’s Mercedes Benz was cracked and a door was dented, but he was unharmed.

However, a local PKR leader sustained minor injuries.

Sembrong is the parliamentary constituency held by Home Minister and Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein.