Police have recorded statements from eight individuas, including Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, in relation to the fracas at the anti-Lynas rally at the Esplanade last Sunday.

NONEAccording to state police chief Ayub Yaakob, the two journalists hurt  during a fracas which broke out after Lim’s (centre in photo) speech that day have given their statements too.

The duo - Kwong Wah Yit Poh reporters, Adam Chew, 29, and Lee Hong Chun, 25, - have also submitted video and photo evidence to the police.

NONEAyub confirmed that so far the police have received five reports on the incident where pro-Lynas supporters, including Umno and Malay rights group Perkasa members, harassed and tried to stop the rally.
“We hope to be able to finish investigations within a week’s time,” Ayub told reporters.

The gathering at the Penang Speakers’ Square, organised by Suaram in support of Himpunan Hijau 2.0 rally in Kuantan opposing the Australian Lynas plant in Gebeng, attracted 500 people while pro-Lynas supporters numbered around 50.

Today, at 6.30pm, a group of journalists will be handing over a petition signed by Penang reporters to Ayub calling for fast police action against the suspected rioters.

They would be wearing black to show their concern over the threat of violence to journalists on duty.

Bloggers urged to give their views

Meanwhile, Ayub urged all parties including Penang Suaram and witnesses to the incident to come forward and provide information to assist in the investigation process.

Bloggers who had posted about the event online were also invited to give their views.

NONEThe police would be looking into all evidence and angles, including information from YouTube and newspapers to assist in the probe, said Ayub (left).

“But we want those who have proper facts, not ‘cerita dongeng’ (fairy tales) that cannot be used in court as evidence,” he quipped.

“We are investigating the incident from all angles, like how the blind men trying to describe an elephant - we need to get all the description to describe the whole elephant,” he said.

Ayub reiterated that organisers of such an event must inform the police of their activities to ensure the participants' safety.

“It is important to have the discussion since it involved a VVIP (Penang chief minister). If the organisers in Kuantan can do this, why not those here in Penang?”

Ayub denied that police did not take action although a team was present during the incident.

“We had tried to control the situation from getting worse, even though we were not informed of the event by the organiser.

“Please do no speculate on  the incident and allow police to discharge their duties,” he warned.