PKR holds Umno responsible for ‘night of bloodshed’ in Lembah Pantai
(The Malaysian Insider) – PKR accused Umno today of “escalating political violence” after an opposition ceramah in Lembah Pantai last night was pelted with stones, eggs and water bottles, resulting in a “night of bloodshed” which saw at least two seriously injured.
PKR leaders told a press conference that Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak, youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and Lembah Pantai division chief Datuk Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin must take action against Umno members who allegedly attacked opposition leaders and the crowd.
“If they do not, then Umno has crossed the line where all violent acts are nothing less than a declaration of war against the public, giving free license to launch attacks against people and murdering democracy,” said Nurul Izzah Anwar, who is also Lembah Pantai MP.
The PKR vice president said the onus is on the government to take swift action just as it has done in other cases, such as the civil suit against Bersih 3.0 leaders for RM122,000 in damages allegedly incurred during the April 28 rally for free and fair elections.
“I am sure there are orders from higher up. The court order blocking off Dataran Merdeka was obtained so quickly and City Hall enforced it immediately,” she said, referring to the government’s move to prevent the planned sit-in from proceeding at the historic square.
“Since 1998, this is the worst incident I have faced,” Nurul Izzah added, referring to the public clashes when her father Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was sacked as deputy prime minister.
The ceramah, featuring Anwar, turned ugly when the crowd in attendance and party leaders were pelted with stones and eggs.
Tensions were already running high before the event began last night, as the scheduled PKR function was located a mere 100 metres away from another ceramah — one organised by Umno.
