DZ's video dampens Wee's near-miss claim

Chinese educationist umbrella group Dong Zong has released three video clips to address claims by Deputy Education Minister Wee Ka Siong that he was assaulted by participants in a rally that the group held last Sunday.

A screening of the three clips - about 15-minutes in total length - was held for media organisations at Dong Zong’s headquarters in Kajang yesterday.

Two clips contained a scene where retired carpenter Lee Siew Taa, 65, extended his arm towards Wee with a thumbs-down gesture, while another video was trained on Lee’s back.

On Wednesday, Lee had come forward and lodged a police report to deny attacking Wee. He said he was merely showing Wee the thumbs-down gesture.

Lee had lodged the report because of photographs depicting him angrily extending his arm towards Wee during the rally. Wee was also photographed touching his left cheek after the incident.

However, Wee has refused to confirm to the press if Lee was indeed the alleged would-be assailant, instead stating that such details would be provided to the police.

‘Judge for yourself’

While none of Dong Zong’s videos show a fist being thrown at Wee, it was clear, from the third video that several projectiles were hurled at him as the crowd around him jeered.

The video showed three newspapers, either rolled up or folded, being tossed in his direction. The third was on target. A flying mineral water bottle was also observed.

Dong Zong deputy president Chow Siew Hon (left) said that the screening was organised because some media organisations had requested to see the videos taken by his organisation’s staff.

Chow explained that six staff were recording video of the event while another four were taking photographs.

He stressed that the footage screened yesterday were unedited.

“I don’t want to pass any comment (on the content),” said Chow, who said that it was up to the viewers to make a conclusion.

Yet to be approached by cops

He said that thus far, Dong Zong has not been asked by the police to provide evidence.
 
"We will upload the videos and photographs to our official website soon," he added.

Chow said none of his staff had witnessed the alleged attempt to punch Wee, not had the deputy minister lodged a formal complaint.

Dong Zong organised the Sunday rally - dubbed the 325 rally in reference to the date it was held - to protest against the perennial problem of Chinese-educated teacher shortage.

Wee had claimed that he attended the rally to listen to protestors first hand.

The rally was attended by an estimated 10,000 people and representatives from 600 Chinese guilds and associations.