Let's jointly condemn political violence

Nurul Izzah Anwar

Raja Nong Chik’s response to the “Night of Bloodshed in Lembah Pantai” reveals an attempt to distract and distort the facts of the incident.

The fact is that violence did take place which caused injuries to an elderly man and a young girl, both who rightly should be respected and protected by society. Unfortunately, it was not only an attack on innocent citizens but also an attack on democracy.

Firstly, the violence that occurred was fostered through the Lembah Pantai Umno-created climate of intimidation and political thuggery, clearly seen by several incidences on the night and prior to it as well. (In the cases of 1. Pekida protest at Masjid al-Ikhlasiah, Pantai Dalam; 2. the punching of Adam Adli at Flat PKNS 4 Tingkat Kampung Kerinchi by known Lembah Pantai Umn members; 3. TIBAI-Umno-organised ceramahs such as the one in Kampung Kerinchi recently.)

Secondly, the feeble attempt to distract the public’s attention by speculating and blaming KEADILAN for inviting outsiders to what he claims is local politics is demeaning to democracy and a disservice to the people of Lembah Pantai.

As the member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai I have always welcomed a long list of national leaders such as Najib Razak, Muhyiddin Yassin, Daim Zainuddin and other Cabinet ministers who have graced Lembah Pantai over the past few months. I do not see this as Umno inviting outsiders into local politics but rather as a recognition that KEADILAN is doing something right to deserve such attention.

Furthermore, the disproportionate attention and funds lavished on Lembah Pantai compared to other Kuala Lumpur constituencies by Raja Nong Chik as Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister, along with an unelected mayor, is proof that the government needs to work doubly hard when the majority of support in Kuala Lumpur is with Pakatan Rakyat.

Thirdly, with regards to the claim that there is lack of proof of those responsible, I invite Raja Nong Chik to jointly declare with me to condemn all forms of political violence and to jointly invite both the police and Suhakam to investigate fairly on this Thursday.

Finally, in the spirit of setting a healthy democratic example and to demonstrate that political violence is unacceptable, I wish to once again reaffirm my acceptance of Raja Nong Chik’s invitation to a public debate in two weeks’ time at the same location, Pantai Permai. I shall be there and wait for him to translate words into deeds as he appears to believe that all politics is local.