The Penang branch of Pertubuhan Peribumi Perkasa (Perkasa) today denied allegations that its members instigated a commotion that led to two media personnel being injured at the Himpunan Hijau 2.0 at Padang Kota last Sunday.

Its chief Mohd Rizuad Mohd Azudin said the Perkasa members were merely spectators at the green gathering but there were parties that provoked them upon the arrival of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

"The incident occurred when a journalist accompanying the chief minister since his arrival manhandled a Perkasa member.

"The situation became chaotic and a struggle ensued, but I emphasise that the struggle was not caused by our members," Mohd Rizuad said at a news conference in George Town today.

He said his statement was supported by a video recording that has been posted on YouTube.

"We are baffled why he (the journalist) acted as an escort for the chief minister and why he acted violently against our group," Mohd Rizuad added.

In the 6.30pm incident, Chinese daily Kwong Wah Jit Poh journalist and photographer Andrew Chew, 29, and Lee Hong Chun, 25, sustained injuries on the body and head after they were believed to have been assaulted by participants of the gathering.

- Bernama


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