Guan Eng to IGP: Let’s debate

He says the Penang government would not be intimidated by police action against PPS.

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today challenged Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar to a public debate on the legal status of the Penang Voluntary Patrol Squad (PPS).

Speaking to newsmen outside the Northeast District police headquarters in Jalan Patani here, Lim said the Penang government would not be intimidated by yesterday’s arrest of 165 PPS members, including the squad’s chairman, state exco Phee Boon Poh.

Police arrested 156 members of the squad after their Merdeka march past. In the evening, Poh and seven more members were arrested. Eighteen members were later released on police bail.

DAP leaders and supporters have practically camped outside the police building since yesterday’s mass arrest.

“I challenge the IGP to a debate on PPS if he believes he’s doing the right thing,” Lim said. “Does he dare to debate?”

PPS is being investigated under the Societies Act for allegedly operating as an unregistered society. Lim has insisted that it is a legal state agency.

Last night, in a statement transmitted to FMT, Penang Umno said it fully supported the police action.

Its chairman, Zainal Abidin Osman, also criticised Lim for challenging the IGP to take action against PPS. That challenge was issued on Saturday.

Zainal Abidin said Lim should have been more polite and not challenge a top law enforcer.

“It was an un-chief-minister-like statement … like a roadside gangster,” he said.

Meanwhile, Penang Perkasa Youth chief Mohd Rizuad Mohd Azudin has offered to assist Lim in registering PPS.

“It’s not so difficult to register an organisation,” he said. “If Lim wants assistance, Perkasa is ever willing to lend a helping hand.”