Not our responsibility to compensate petty traders, says chief

The KL Petty Traders Action Council will not use the RM1.5 million, which is the value of the two cars it is giving out in lucky draws, as aid to traders who claim to have suffered losses during the mammoth Bersih 3.0 rally.

This is because it is the responsibility of the Bersih coalition to pay for their losses, council head Jamal Ab Yunus told a press conference today in response to yesterday's call by Kampung Tunku assemblyperson Lau Weng San.

"Bersih should be responsible (for the losses incurred). The objective of me giving out prizes is to recognise people who ink their support for the peace-loving movement. 

"For us, we will help them to compile their losses and file a suit against the Bersih coalition to demand compensation," Jamal said, adding that the petty traders council would aid in the legal assistance required by the traders.

Lau yesterday criticised the group for spending RM1.5 million in total to give away two luxury cars, a Lamborghini and a BMW 530, as lucky draw prizes to those who like its anti-Bersih page onFacebook. 

"Is this ‘loss' smaller or greater than the ‘loss' they claim to have suffered on the day of the Bersih 3.0 rally?" Lau asked.

[More to follow]