Liow makes U-turn, calls for investigation on hospital fracas

 

(Harakah Daily) – KUALA LUMPUR, Jul 15: Health minister Liow Tiong Lai has made an about-turn from his earlier denial that the police had shot tear gas into the compounds of the Tung Shin and Chinese Maternity hospitals in Jalan Pudu on July 9.

 

NO WAY … Liow had vehemently rejected claims that the hospitals were hit

Following a statement by eleven doctors, some of whom said they were prepared to sign eyewitness affidavits showing on the contrary, Liow now said his ministry would conduct an investigation.

The doctors also condemned the authorities for disregarding a hospital’s international status as a sanctuary, and said the police had even brutalised protesters who sought shelter within the hospital buildings.

“What was most frightening and witnessed by many was the unprovoked violent assault within the hospital compounds and apprehension of several protesters who had merely ran into the hospitals to seek shelter from the tear gas and the water cannons!” they statement said Wednesday.

Earlier, Liow suggested that the wind could have blown the tear gas smoke into the hospital’s direction, a claim immediately disproved by hundreds of images and video clips on the Bersih rally which had made their way on the internet.

The MCA deputy president had even urged reporters not to show photos or videos to counter his claims.

“The board of the hospital also confirmed this, (so) don’t cite whatever pictures or videos again,” he said during a press conference.

Now, Liow had this to say:

“Members of the public who witnessed the incident can come forward to assist the inquiry. Those who wish to remain unidentified can choose to do so.”