KJ : No directive to disrupt opposition ceramah

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin today denied that the dominant BN party has issued a directive to disrupt opposition ceramah programmes.

Condemning the purported violence that saw rocks and water bottles being thrown at participants of an opposition ceramah, Khairy who is Rembau MP, called for a stop to such intimidation and aggression.

"Violence has no place in Malaysian politics. I can categorically state there is no such directive (to disrupt opposition ceramah)," he said when asked whether there was any directive issued by the party to disrupt opposition ceramah programmes.

"The police should not allow opposing ceramah to take place nearby and must also ensure the safety of politicians and participants, regardless of their party," Khairy said.

Last night's ceramah by the opposition leader and PKR de facto leader saw stones, water bottles and eggs being thrown at participants, with an elderly man injured on his head and a 12-year-old girl injured on her wrist.

Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar also described last night's episode, which attracted a crowd of 1,000 people, as the worst ever as electricity was cut and stones almost hit her as she was addressing the gathering. 

Over the weekend in Merlimau, Malacca two DAP assemblypersons were also pelted with eggs and stones, resulting in Bandar Hilir assemblyeperson Tey Kok Kiew's car damaged, with the windscreen  broken as well.

'Compete with ideas'

The Pakatan ceramah on Wednesday was also reported to have suffered disruption from thugs.

Khairy called on the people to compete with ideas and not use intimidation and aggression. 

“There have been some allegations made about last night's function at Lembah Pantai. Some of the allegations are directed at Umno. I view these allegations seriously. 

“We will be investigating this matter thoroughly in order to find out who was responsible and will take appropriate action against them,” he vowed.

The Umno Youth chief also called on political parties, whether in BN or Pakatan Rakyat, to have better coordination from now in view of the wide expectations that the 13th general election would be called soon.

“I think each party headquarters hould also inform the opposing parties of ceramah schedules so that there will no clash of events on the same night,” Khairy added.