Investigation papers on Bukit Gelugor ‘incidents’ submitted to DPP

(The Sun) – Penang police have submitted two investigation papers involving incidents which took place during nominations for the Bukit Gelugor seat to the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s (DPP) office.

Police by-election affairs spokesman ACP Azmi Adam said the two papers on an alleged racial slur uttered by independent candidate Abu Backer Sidek Mohd Zan and the usage of musical instruments by DAP supporters was submitted last Friday.

” It is under the DPP’s jurisdiction now, ” he told a press conference at the state police headquarters in Jalan Penang today.

He said investigations on the two incidents were carried out under Section 4(1) of the Election Offences Act 1954 and Section 24A of the same act respectively.

Section 24A of the Act prohibits party supporters from carrying musical instruments and loudspeakers, lecturing and campaigning at the nomination centre, among others.

On nomination day , Abu Backer was alleged to have uttered the word “pariah” during a press conference at the nomination centre.

In the incident, two reporters from the Tamil press asked him to retract the word but he refused. This led to a heated exchange of words which ended with the pressmen saying they would lodge police reports as they walked off in a huff.

Apart from this, 500 DAP supporters arrived at the nomination centre with a troupe playing Chinese drums, kompang and traditional Indian instruments. They also carried loud hailers.

Azmi said the 15 ceramahs organised by DAP since the start of the campaign period were held with police permits.

He also advised other candidates to obtain permits for ceramahs during the campaign period which ends on May 24.