Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email I guess all Malaysians already know that MP for Kelana Jaya, Loh Gwo Burne got punched in the corner of his eye by the aide of fellow PKR state assemblyman, Nik Nazmi (currently overseas). As reported in Malaysiakini, Loh says he has forgiven the attacker, Mior Azam Shah Mior Yahya and had talked to him later. Loh made a police report, nonetheless, and police has taken statement from Azam. Says Loh:
I do not hold any grudges against Azam. I still do not fully understand why he hit me but I am not angry at him. When he saw me at the police station, he apologised. He made a mistake.
However, Loh stated that he will not retract his police report because it was necessary to send out the right message.
I will not retract the police report. If I do so, that sends out a message that anybody can whack me and I don’t want that.
I only hope there will be no serious consequences against him. I don’t want him to go to jail.
The reports in NST and Star did not mention details except saying that its over a place of worship, but Malaysiakini had more details, for example mentioning that the place of worship is actually a surau!
According to my sources, the area in Desa Mentari already has 3 surau. The large Indian community there were upset when plans to put up fourth one came up as it will cause more noise. They were expecting a playground instead.
The Star version:
The alleged incident occurred during the ground-breaking ceremony for a place of worship at Desa Mentari here at about 3pm. It seems residents living in the area had protested against the construction of the building there and Loh, who was present, had approached them.
After speaking to the group, Loh approached the organisers of the function to discuss with them the protesters’ concern when he was allegedly punched by Azam. Loh said he went to the scene after being informed about the protest.He said he was surprised because the matter was supposed to have been resolved on Thursday. He said the problem started two weeks ago when residents complained about construction of the building and he was unable to find out who was responsible for the construction.
“When I arrived there today, I kept on asking him (the aide), ‘Who was responsible for this?’ I must have asked him about 10 times and pointed at him saying that, ‘You as a PA should know’. That was when he punched me in the face above my right eye,” he said.The crowd then stopped the individual, he said.“I do not think I provoked him,” Loh said.He added that the party should do something “comprehensive” against his alleged assailant.
Malaysiakini version:
The parliamentarian went to see what was going on after learning there was a protest by residents living in the area against the construction of the surau. He said the problem started two weeks ago when residents complained about the construction of a surau but he could not find out who was responsible for the construction.
He also noted that the structure has no permit from the local council and the residents disagree with the structure. “The residents wanted a playground for the children, not another surau. “I am not opposed to anything that people want to build as long the
residents are properly consulted and have agreed to it,” he stated.
After speaking to the protesters, Loh approached the organisers of the function to discuss with them the residents’ concern and was suddenly punched in the face by Azam. “I kept asking (Azam), ‘Who was responsible for this?’ for about 10 times and pointed at him saying, ‘You as a PA should know’. That was when he punched me in the face above my right eye,” he said.
Immediately after the incident, the police controlled the crowd who tried to reprimand Azam themselves.
Loh then said that the people behind this construction had decided to halt the project as they await further consultation with about 6,000 of the residents there.
Selangor MB, Khalid Ibrahim said that the assault issue has been resolved after apologies were exchanged by the two persons involved. He claims that incident is due to “young PKR leaders eager to bring forward their respective opinions as representatives of the local people”. Does he mean that there are gangsters in PKR? In The Star, the MB is quoted as saying this issue is an internal dispute.
It’s among the young ones of PKR. We see it as an internal dispute that has been solved between both individuals. Both men have apologised and it’s a neighbourhood issue that will be resolved in an amicable manner with the help of Kelana Jaya division chairman Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud.
Khalid said no disciplinary action would be taken on either individual as it was just a difference of opinion.
The young ones are eager to do their best for the people, express the people’s views but it has to be done through constructive
consultation and must not get physical at any moment of time.One good thing that has come out of this is the high level of transparency, accountability and the presence of the people’s representatives in the neighbourhoods to solve issues.
Asked how it could be an internal dispute when the incident occurred in public, Khalid once again played the matter down by saying that it was all right as it shows that the party members are very much involved in the field and are with the people.
Differences of opinion take place but we encourage constructive consultation and views shared. It also fosters a better understanding among the leaders and its people in a particular neighbourhood.
Khalid said to avoid future misunderstandings; construction of all places of worship must obtain approval from the respective local authorities. But isn’t this ALREADY a rule for non-muslim places of worship???
By the way, UMNO’s Muhammad Muhammad Taib took this opportunity to tell some lies. Read this:
During Barisan Nasional’s administration, since 1957, there were never incidences about fighting over places of worship. “We
usually resolved everything through a consensus. We allowed churches, temples, mosques and all … but now they have to get physical about it
Does he think we forgot about Padang Jawa?
Question now will arise on how Pakatan Rakyat goverment will solve this problem. Will they allow building of a unapproved place of worship? Will rules be bent to get the plans approved? Does the surau actually have an approval? Were residents’ view taken into consideration before construction? What if the residents continue protesting? What is Hindraf’s stand on this? Will MIC say something?
Hmm… so many questions arising.
Poobalan
I think you missed the real issues here.
1. The fight between this 2 guys are far serious than what Khalid and Mkini want us to believe. How many times in the past we have seen someone junior punches an elected MP of his own party on his own state and area ? I can’t recall, perhaps others here can refresh my memory.
This shows that Loh has no credibility, respect and standing in his own state and area as the real power lies with Khalid’s inner circle. Loh after all just parachuted in at the last moment after his rich dad agreed to “donate” a considerable sum of money to DSAI.
2. This is a serious racial issue as it involves Indians and the Muslims. If this does not get resolved quickly, it could develop into a racial clash.
3. Why are we being hypocritical here ? You support that idea the people who wanted the surau need to consult the residents but in the past you defended the building of Hindu temples without any regards to others’ feeling or legal standing and in any number they wished. I think we need to be consistent in our standing and can’t be biased toward other religions.
4. Kg Jawa : I think you are wrong here. Did BN component parties punched each other ? I thought even though MIC was unhappy, no body attached UMNO or MPSA officials.
5. The issue of building surau is cropping up now as the more radical elements of Muslims are becoming louder and more assertive since they believe they rule the state (the PAS supporters). You will see this is kedah and Perak in the coming months too.
6. If you expect PR govt to be more tolerant in allowing temples to be built, then you are wrong. The extremist elements will in fact pressure the state govt to stop or even reduce the number of temples. This pressure would depend on very much on what is going to happen to DSAI. if he gets charged then Khalid is toast and then PAS will effectively run the state. And don’t expect DAP and PKR’s ADUNs to fight for Indians…they are busy getting licences and contracts for their relatives and family members to bother…
Well Killer, I got the info from my source.
1. how do you know the fight was more serious than as written in the papers? we have not gone to punches, but we have seen the previous Kelana Jaya MP face an hostile UMNO crowd.
2. Yes, quite likely. There are many agents waiting for situations like this so that they can ignite and watch it explode.
3. Now, wait a minute. Which new temple are you referring to that I say we should “built as we like”? I am against demolishing of temples without proper alternatives and prodecures. I also don’t agree on simply building temples, instead we can relocate temples from places that make way for development to other areas. As long as follow the law, every religion should be allocated place for their religious abode. In this particular case, there will be not one or two, but four suraus. These people only have one god unlike Hindus who are thought to have many gods, thus the many temples dedicated to different gods. Secondly, there was no mention of any approval from local council, so this would be an illegal structure. What happens to illegal structures in Selangor, Killer? Surely the development of Desa Mentari would have places allocated for amenities.
4. I was referring to Muhammad’s statement saying that about “incidences of fighting over places”. The way he said as if it was always been a bed of roses. In Padang Jawa – MBSA officers were attacked. But it was not Indians vs UMNO. It was Indians vs MBSA+MIC.
5 and 6. It remains to be seen.
1. It was not a matter of difference of opinion as stated by Khalid, who is trying to brush it under the carpet. The issue is serious as it involves a junior officer who is just an aide to an ADUN attacking MP from Kelana Jaya. People don’t resort to punches over differences of opinion, it happens only in Kollywood movies. I saying this is serious because it is not something between two people but rather it is Muslims vs Non Muslims (with Loh, a non Muslim siding the non Muslims).
Anyway, watch out the media and blogs, the issue has been glossed over but the tension still very much alive. Check out with your friends living there if you don’t believe me and my sources.
2. Poobalan, you need to be consistent in your stand. You can’t apply double standards. You are evading my question. I am NOT talkng about new temples but places of worship in general.
If you think religious sensitivities and law must be respected in building places of worship, then Hindus must do the same. There are thousands of illegal Hindu temples in the country. I am sure many Muslims are against these structures. So what we do with them ? Demolish them ? What’s your solution ?
I am sure if the Muslims protest against Hindu temples, you will be up in the arms and claim these ppl to be racists and it is the work of UMNO.
You have always defended Hindu temples by all kinds of reasons even though they were illegal and built in huge numbers. I am sure the Muslim here also have their reasons too.
4. You are again wrong. Muhd said there were no incident of fighting over places of worship. Can you give an example to dispute this ?
Also about Padang Jawa, who said it was Indians Vs MIC/MBSA ? It was Indians vs MBSA / MB of Selangor. Please get the facts right. MIC people were there to stop the demolishment as well. SV was desperately trying to reach Khir Toyo and when he can’t be reached (he switched off his phone), Samy contacted Badawi. Badawi instructed KT to stop demolishment but the MBSA person in charge can’t be contacted (deliberately I think).
You also know that the High Court ruled several times against the temple and was ordered to vacate the land ? In fact the temple was given an alternative land and compensation. The fact is the temple committe took the $$ and then spent it on some other “expenses”.
Unfortunately, all these were hidden by the politicians and clowns of HINDRAF. Personally I disagree on the demolishment but I also think that Indians have to be more civilised and law abiding rather than behave like law less thugs. In this case you should know that we have several bigger and better temples within a few kilometer. So there is hardly a need for this tiny temple.
4. the interesting fact is that nobody , even the local counsilor , did not bother to listen SV’s instruction . So whr doesnt indian leaders in BN stand ?
After the temple demolished partially , SV instructed the temple to be fully demolished , well this came to light when KT and SV argued via press statements .
Helo my dear , we need a leader with guts to stand and demand (like Hindraf leaders) instead of someone (of course not Killer lah…) put one ball on nose and look clown alike .
If Mandela was ‘lembik-lembik’ he wont be in history as we see now .
I kinda disagree with your view that this is a muslim v non-muslim issue. The protesters while mostly non-muslim were not actually protesting against a surau, they were protesting to protect the playground from all forms of buildings. Temples included. Also a substantial section of the muslim population are also against the building of the Surau, because there is another surau around 100 meters away, which is apparently under utilised. Also a Masjid is planned near by, some of the muslim residents also prefered to leave the playground untouched.
Actually relations between muslim and non-muslim in the area have improved since the elections. But this incident have seriously strained muslim and non-muslim relations.
Nik Nazmi’s PA was actually also assuring the crowd that the surau was not going to be built.
Actually you got some parts of your wild jab right. Actually 90% of the PKR Bahagians are openly fighting with almost all of the MPs and Aduns. Even Lembah Pantai is not spared. The Bahagian is in a fury to grapple power from the MPs and Aduns to… use your imagination. Kalid is also in a very weak position. During meetings with the Ketua Bahagians, half of the KBs march out when Kalid takes the floor.
But I can assure you that Loh’s father did not donate anything and you would be surprised how poor they actually are. This part you are way off.
B
Thanks for sharing the info. Good to hear that someone is actually sharing his/her knowledge and trying to discuss the issue.
BTW can you explain what you mean by my “wild jab” ? Which part of my post is not correct ?
I had been saying this for weeks that Khalid is weak and has no support from his own party and also the state exco. It is a matter of time he will be forced to step down.
I had been also saying about the intense in-fighting in PKR and PR in selangor that is out of control. This is likely to get worse since now DSAI is being accused of sodomy.
As for Desa Mentari issue, well I don’t live there so I have to rely on my friends’ info. Actually my information came PKR supporters (Muslim) who are fairly senior in the party. But what they told me very different from what you claim.
Ok, let me brief their version.
The site in question was originally earmarked by the developer for surau for Desa Mentari Phase 2. The Muslim folks have been applying for JAIS permission for the last 2 years and only after the GE it was approved after the intervention of the ADUN Nik Nadzmi. After that JAIS also gave their approval (Poobalan please take note this….some interesting lessons here).
The incident happened during the ground-breaking ceremony for the surau which was attended by reps from the PR parties, the police, MP,etc.
This decision to build the surau was also agreed by PR Kelana Jaya division June meeting by DAP (represented by Hannah Teoh), PKR and PAS. However Loh was missing (as usual). There was never a protest through official channel.
According to my PKR friends who were there, the Indians gathered during the function (about 20 of them) holding posters and blowing whistles. They were highly aggressive as they were trying to distrurpt the “baca doa”. Soon outsiders joined them and the crowd increased to 100 – 200. My friends say all of the were Indians and none Muslims.Then Loh makes an appearance and the crowd get more excited. Loh was supporting the protestors.
Then while these two are arguing PA to the ADUN punched Loh. According to them, Meor was defending the building of the surau and not assuring that it won’t be built.
Also, the tension in Desa Mentari and surrounding area is high. PR people are also furious with Loh and want action against him.
The situation is such now that a small spark there could cause a racial riot.
As for Loh, well I can only repeat what I heard and read. Certainly from what I heard is that Loh’s family are rich. In fact I have heard that they have a mansion in Kelana Jaya that is worth millions.
Wow. epadi ellam nadekutha.
And what, The MP didnt record this also ? LOL..
The absolute truth is PKR member punched his fellow PKR MP 🙂 Now thats a good start for Malaysian politics rite?
Yes, we can’t run away from the crux of the matter. a member punching a party’s elected representative. If we put aside the environment, has this happened in other parties as well like MCA, MIC, DAP, UMNO?
I am not as old as SV or LKS but I don’t remember such incidents between BN parties. But that is not an issue here.
What Khalid claimed was this is a small matter but that was a lie.
Anyway in yesterday’s paper, Nik Nadzmi was quoted as saying as he viewed the matter as serious and that he suspended Meor….so PR people are singing very different tunes on different days…
I can guess what had happened. Someone at higher up (DSAI and LKS) likely had intervened and told Nik to suspend Meor. Guess why the MB is not doing it and letting an ADUN to take action ?
The interesting thing is that PKR is now divided into 2 due to this issue, piting Muslim and Non Muslim MPs among them. PAS is obviously supporting PKR’s Muslim MPs. However the suspension of Meor is not going down well and it is only undermining Khalid.
Those people who think PKR is for multi-racial agenda, please learn some lessons from this episode.
regardless who is right or wrong,one thing is certain this problem have greater potential being out of control.I am not too sure,how many people among those protesting are actually living there.It’s in a way,beneficial to play down this issue’s,or this will seriously divide the paktan rakyat.If,in the near future (maybe some day) Indians want to have equal status or possibily enhance our community,we need to work closely with al affilated party’s.we can express our disstatifaction by proper avenues,resorting to such form of “rouge” tactics would make our community to be labled as “trouble-makers”.
hjk : I support your views 100%