Friday May 10, 2013

GE13: Peaceful protest turns ugly

By KIATISAK CHUA
kiatisak@thestar.com.my

Safe at last: The students making their way out of the Suaram building where they took refuge.

GEORGE TOWN: A peaceful demonstration by a group of students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on the outcome of the 13th general election turned ugly when they were allegedly roughed up by a group of unidentified men.

One student was allegedly hit at the back of his head while another was pushed to the ground after having his placard forcefully taken away from him.

The peaceful demonstration “Gelap 13” was organised to collect signatures to petition against the unfairness of the elections as well as the racial issues recently played up by some leaders and newspapers.

Around 50 students took part in the 12.30pm protest at the USM Sungai Dua entrance.

Communication student Saw Jia Ying, 23, who was the organiser, said close to 100 men had provoked and chased them away.

“We are not here to disturb anyone. We just want to voice out our dissatisfaction on the recent elections peacefully.

“They hurled abusive words and also used pepper spray on us,” claimed Saw.

Kew Si Cheng, 23, who was allegedly hit on the head, said he was sad and disappointed with the incident.

The Social Science student was with two other friends when they were surrounded and heckled by some 20 men.

“They were very aggressive. The university's security guards did not try to help us even when we were on the campus' ground,” he alleged.

Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin arrived to diffuse the situation after being informed by concerned residents.

“The students have every right to stage a peaceful demonstration under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012,” said Sim.

Sim took Kew to the Sungai Nibong police station to lodge a police report at 3pm.

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Friday May 10, 2013

GE13: Peaceful protest turns ugly

By KIATISAK CHUA kiatisak@thestar.com.my

By KIATISAK CHUA
kiatisak@thestar.com.my