Flash mob: Lim tells PKR man to apologise

PETALING JAYA: DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang said today PKR Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon who organised the kangkung flash-mob should apologise to those who regard such protest as offensive and insensitive.

Lim agreed with Perkasa’s statement yesterday that the ongoing “kangkung furore” might result in a repeat of the May 13 racial riots if it was played up.

He said he personally considered such protest as offensive and insensitive.

He denied that his party was involved with Lee’s “kangkung” flash-mob, which led to a street protest by Penang Umno on Saturday.

“It is important not to allow irresponsible quarters to look for excuses to incite emotions to escalate racial and religious hatred to create another May 13,” he said in a press statement today.

Lim said an apology would start a virtuous circle for all political leaders and activists to be sensitive to a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural society.

He added that Lee’s apology could also help ease the “inflamed political situation at present”.

“This is because of irresponsible quarters out to ‘fish in troubled waters’ including creating another May 13 to serve their short-term political interests,” he said, referring to Penang Umno.

Lim said the time had come for all Malaysians to separate patriots and traitors.

Lim then called on Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to stop the Selangor Umno roadshows against Catholic priest Lawrence Andrew, whom Umno had singled out as the main instigator of non-Muslims using “Allah” in the state.

Yesterday, Perkasa information chief Muhammad Zahid Md Arip said the Najib’s kangkung remark should not be blown out of proportion.

“Najib should be respected as he is the leader of the country. What is wrong in using kangkung as an example?” he asked.

Meanwhile, PKR Penang youth chief Dr Afif Bahardin said the kangkung flash mob reflected public anger against Najib for being insensitive towards people’s plight.

He said flash mob manifested people’s feelings of disgust and frustration against Najib’s inconsiderate “kangkung” speech.

Malay-based groups have organised at least two major demonstrations in Seberang Jaya and Alma and lodged several police reports against Lee for organising the flash mob deemed “an insult and defamation” against Najib.