I did not invite a mob, says Nanban boss

He rejects Kayveas’ version of the Feb 21 incident and vows not to speak of the issue anymore.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Nanban has denied that it invited a People’s Progressive Party delegation to its office last week.

The newspaper’s director, Shafee Zaman Sikandar Batcha, said the denial would be his last comment on the Feb 21 incident, which news reports have referred to as an “ambush” by PPP President M Kayveas and his supporters.

Shafee was commenting on a statement that Kayveas issued on Feb 22, in which the PPP chief said he took offence at the word “ambush”, insisting that he had been “invited” to the Nanban office to be shown proof that an article critical of his party was based on fact.

Shafee told FMT that Kayveas, speaking over the telephone, asked him if he could pay a visit to Nanban.

“We agreed to the visit but didn’t expect so many people.”

The PPP chief showed up with about 60 supporters and asked to meet the writer of the offending article.

Shafee said Kayveas asked for proof of the article’s truth only after he had arrived at the office.

“He never asked me anything related to the issue over the phone,” he added.

“We have to protect the writer’s identity. What has happened to freedom of press?

“We even offered to hold a dialogue session to show proof and help resolve the issue, but they refused and stared using vulgar words against me and my staff.”

Shafee told FMT Nanban had no political interest.

“I am not a politician and Nanban is neither a political party nor affiliated to any. I want to stop this here. The public will not hear anymore comments from us.”

He said he had lodged a report with the Sentul police station.

“Let the police handle it. If Kayveas is not happy, he can go ahead with legal actions.”

In another development on the issue, MIC has denied Kayveas’ allegation that it was involved in the quarrel.

“Kayveas is diverting attention,” MIC secretary general S Murugesan said. “As far as I know, we did not send anyone to Nanban’s aid.”

Referring to comments on the issue by MIC figures, Murugesan said: “We only support press freedom. What is wrong with that?”