~ Regina Lee

A scuffle broke out between several villagers and Sekinchan assemblyman from DAP Ng Suee Lim when he tried to visit a padi field to investigate a dispute.

In the late morning incident happened on Thursday (Nov 4), Ng was allegedly surrounded by a group of about 30 men, whom he claimed were Umno members, when he was meeting some padi planters in Sawah Sempadan Tanjong Karang who had complained that they were being shortchanged by the federal government.

It is understood that their complaint was targeted at Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas), a government agency to regulate the rice industry, which they claim has been buying the padi stocks at a much lower price.

“As soon as I got out from the car and shook hands with three farmers, I was surrounded by people I suspect to be from Tanjong Karang Umno. They tried to chase me away, saying that this is not 'my area',” Ng said in his police report obtained by Malaysiakini.

He also claimed in the report that he was punched in the head and arms, and kicked in the stomach. After several minutes of heated shouting and an intense scuffle, Ng and his entourage quickly got back into their cars and drove straight to the Kuala Selangor district police headquarters.

The Tanjong Karang Umno division chief Noh Omar - also the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister and the local MP - was, however defiant and did not deny the incident.

In fact, he said that “Ng got what he deserved for coming into someone else's territory”.

“You tell that Sekinchan assemblyman, jangan kurang ajar (don't be insolent). Jangan datang ke kawasan orang lain (Don't come into someone else's territory). He can go and take care of Sekinchan himself,” said Noh when contacted by Malaysiakini.

He also claimed that Ng had wanted to “demonstrate” in the area, but without a police permit.

“The police also told him to leave but he was still stubborn. He just wanted to come and look for trouble in the area. Of course the villagers would be angry with him,” said Noh (left).

He also defended Bernas, an agency which comes under his direct jurisdiction, saying that the matter had been “resolved” with the farmers.

“I already had a dialogue with them last Sunday where I sent my representative to meet with the 300 farmers. We have solved the problem and it is a non-issue now. So why is DAP coming to Tanjong Karang still?” said Noh.

When asked about the allegations that it was Umno members who had assaulted Ng, Noh called the claims “bullshit” said that Ng is merely politicising the issue and pinpointing the blame on others.

However, he did not deny the claims.

“Not everyone in Tanjong Karang is an Umno member. But of course we have our own supporters there. If not how can I win in the elections there?

“So this is my advice to Sekinchan. Don't be a hero in my area. If he dares, come and dialogue with me,” said Noh.

Taken from Malaysiakini.

You can leave comment to this collection

Collection Category: 未分類(0) Add Collection Category
Collection Comment: