Nothing2Hide fracas suspects reportedly paid RM50 each

One of them, aged 18, has a criminal record and is currently involved in an ongoing rape trial, sources tell a news portal.

PETALING JAYA: The three teenagers suspected of involvement in the fracas at PPBM’s Nothing to Hide 2.0 forum yesterday were allegedly paid RM50 each.

The Malaysian Insight, citing sources close to police investigations, said the trio aged 17 to 19 were paid to attend the forum, and were part of a group that had gathered in Setiawangsa before the event began at about 4pm, in Shah Alam’s Dewan Raja Muda Musa.

It is believed the youths were given t-shirts bearing the PPBM logo.

Two of the three suspects currently under a four-day remand, are students at a private college in Shah Alam, district police chief Shafien Mamat told a press conference yesterday.

All three are being investigated under Section 15(2)d of the Peaceful Assembly Act, Section 153 of the Penal Code for rioting and Section 8 of the Corrosive and Explosive Substance and Offensive Weapons Act.

According to the portal, police background checks on the trio found that one of them, aged 18, has a criminal record and is currently involved in an ongoing rape trial.

The three were detained following a fracas at the Nothing to Hide 2.0 forum, which featured a no-holds barred session with former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Mahathir, who is now the chairman of opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan, was taking questions from the floor, when all of a sudden, two flares were hurled in his direction.

Chaos ensued as the hall quickly filled with smoke and punches were said to have been traded. Several PPBM members meanwhile rushed on to the stage to protect the 92-year-old leader.

The forum was organised by PPBM Youth for Mahathir to openly respond to criticisms against him.

Prime Minister Najib Razak, who was also invited to debate Mahathir and field questions, did not show up. - FMT