Penang Umno condemns Perkasa's mock funeral

Penang Umno has condemned the recent protest and a mock funeral held outside Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's private residence by Malay rights pressure group Perkasa.

State Umno liason chief Zainal Abidin Osman (left) said the party does not condone the protest on May 10.

The group had placed a framed photograph of Lim outside the house, garlanded with flowers to signify his ‘death’ to the Malay community.

"The act is something that is not approved, directed or agreed upon by Umno members," said Zainal after attending the state BN committee meeting today.

"We have no control (over them) and we do not have any right to tell Perkasa (not to do it). They would not listen to us.”

Zainal, the former Nibong Tebal parliamentarian, said Perkasa is a NGO, while Umno is a political party.

"Whatever it is, there is a limit to politics. We do not approve if families are disturbed or (there is trespass of) personal residences by protestors," he said.

He was asked to comment on the perception that the protest outside Lim's private residence was masterminded by Umno, and that Perkasa is associated with the party.

Perkasa's protests, which have often touched on the sensitivities of non-Malays, are said to have chipped away the community's support for Gerakan and MCA.

‘Foolish act’

Zainal was also asked to comment on perceived inaction by the police, which was followed by Perkasa throwing anti-Lim posters along the streets before ending up outside Komtar - which houses the state administrative centre - for another rally.

He defended the police, saying the force has its own standard operating procedure to deal with such incidents.

"Even if they remain quiet, they would have prevented a worse scenario from taking place," he said.

"If the police had not been around, maybe they (the protestors would have) jump over the gates, (or) thrown things which should not be thrown or acted violently. Just with their presence, the police can ensure that matters do not get out of hand."

At the same press conference, state BN chief Teng Chang Yeow was asked if he could "put a cap" on Perkasa's conduct.

Teng, the Gerakan secretary-general, replied, saying Perkasa is "not even friends of BN, (so) how do we cap them?"

When told that Perkasa's protest does not bode well for BN, he said the coalition condemns the group's "foolish and stupid act", adding that the BN had discussed the matter during meetings.