Ahmad Shabery: I was barred from attending Permatang Pauh event

BUKIT MERTAJAM- Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Chik had a shock when he was blocked by about 100 people, believed to be supporters of an opposition party, from attending the launch of the Barisan Nasional's (BN) "Blue Wave" sweep in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency today.

Ahmad Shabery, who is also the 'adopted father' of the Permatang Pauh Umno division, said the incident showed opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

was beginning to feel afraid of the BN.

"Many people were also stopped from attending the event. The vehicle I was in was also stopped. Luckily with police assistance, the situation was brought under control," he told reporters after the launch of the event.

Also present at the launch were Penang Umno Liaison chairman Datuk Zainol Abidin Osman and Permatang Pauh Umno "Blue Wave" organising committee chairman, Datuk Abd Jalil Abd Majid.

Ahmad Shabery said the incident should not have taken place as it contradicted the fight for freedom of speech and democracy that was advocated by the opposition and on the contrary, they frequently accused BN as using "gangster".

"Today we see their true colours and this should be exposed for public knowledge," he said.

In another development, Ahmad Shabery described the statement of PAS vice president Datuk Mahfuz Omar who accused the Ministry of Youth and Sports of

sponsoring 2,000 ceramahs (rallies) of former Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Hasan Ali as a big lie.

"I say Mahfuz lied...lied...lied...the ministry has never sponsored nor provides an allocation of up to RM30 million for Hasan Ali's series of talks," he said.

Mahfuz in his statement had alleged that Hasan, who was sacked by PAS in January, was assigned to reach youth groups in his series of ceramah in preparation of the upcoming general election.

At the event today, Permatang Pauh Umno contributed 10 wheelchairs to Hospital Seberang Jaya and presented RM200 each to 20 outstanding tertiary

students.

- Bernama