DAP MPs lament IGP’s ‘Vegas-like attack’ comments

DAP's Charles Santiago says police ensuring security at German F&B festival in Klang would send strong message to militants that police have security under control.

Kula: Even in open air events there are mechanisms to ensure safety and security.

PETALING JAYA: Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun has been criticised for saying a Vegas-like attack could happen if a German F&B festival in Klang goes ahead as uncertainty remains over the fate of the event.

Earlier, Fuzi defended opposition to the event, pointing to Monday’s Las Vegas shooting that left nearly 60 people dead, saying that even though it wasn’t a terrorist act, it could happen here.

Speaking to FMT, Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran said Fuzi’s remarks were akin to comparing apples and oranges as the Las Vegas incident was an open air event, while the German F&B festival would be a closed-door event.

Even in open air events, Kulasegaran said there were mechanisms to ensure safety and security.

“The other day, the IGP said it was unsafe to hold the Better Beer Festival 2017 in Kuala Lumpur. So where is it safe?”

Kulasegaran also repeated his call to Fuzi to disclose if any arrests had been made following his revelation that Bukit Aman had received intelligence indicating that a militant group was planning to sabotage the beer fest.

“What if there is a threat of an attack during Merdeka Day celebrations? Do we stop? What if someone threatens to bomb Parliament? Do we stop Parliament sittings?” asked the DAP leader.

Santiago says Fuzi’s remarks were “over the top” and “unprofessional”.

Klang MP Charles Santiago said Fuzi’s remarks were “over the top” and “unprofessional”.

“We have to respect what the police say on matters of security and public control, but when the IGP makes connections between the Vegas attack and a small-scale F&B event in Klang, people will start to wonder if the security threat is real or imagined.”

Santiago said if Fuzi says there is a security risk with such a small event, then any mass gathering could potentially face security threats.

“It’s good that Fuzi says the police will provide protection if the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) allows the event to continue.

“Police protection will send a strong message to militants and the public that the police have the situation under control.

“We must let them know we aren’t afraid. The police did a good job preventing attacks during the Sea Games.

“I don’t see why they can’t do the same now and defend the freedom of the people.”

Fuzi shouldn’t be instilling fear among the people, says Teresa.

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said that Islamic State militants abroad have attacked people at concerts, eating in restaurants, in train stations, churches and parks.

She said if the IGP’s answer to perceived threats was to stop activities from happening, then going to concerts, eating in restaurants, taking the train or going to church or parks should also stop to prevent terror attacks.

“The police duty is to ensure the safety and security of society. Fuzi shouldn’t be instilling fear among the people.”

Meanwhile, MPK president Mohamad Yasid Bidin told FMT that no final decision had been made on the event.

MPK president Mohamad Yasid Bidin says no final decision has been made on the event.

This was despite Selangor executive councillor Teng Chang Khim saying that local authorities had given permission for the event to proceed.

The German F&B party is scheduled to be held at a mall in Klang on Oct 12 and 13.

Prior to this, MPK had approved the event on condition that the organiser adheres to certain terms and conditions, including barring Muslims from entering the party area and obtaining a permit from all relevant authorities. FMT