Three PKR Youth members were arrested and the crowd became unruly during a ceramah by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim in Gombak tonight.
NONEAbout 20 police officers charged in to prevent the PKR de facto leader from speaking for more than the 15 minutes he was allocated.
Anwar, who appeared at the gathering of about 1,500 people, mostly PKR supporters, was speaking at the launch of the party’s DNA (Datuk Najib Altantuya) campaign.
The audience was rather peeved by orders for Anwar to stop speaking, and turned rowdy.
The outraged group threw plastic chairs, water bottles, bricks and sticks at the riot police personnel.
Despite Anwar trying to call for calm, the crowd refused to comply and stood steadfast.
NONEAt one point when the cops got nearer to the stage, the supporters started closing in, refusing to make way.
The Federal Reserve Unit had to then forcefully push people out of the way with their shields.
However, Anwar and his deputy Azmin Ali, who is also the Gombak parliamentarian, were guided away in a different direction off the stage, but the furious-looking crowd continue to close in and hurl abuses at the police.
The police had to eventually draw back as the crowd became aggressive.
PKR Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin said the three arrested were Maslan Abdul Raus and Helmi Rizal as well as an unknown man and they were taken to the Hulu Kelang police station and Ampang police headquarters.
Explaining the defence’s stand
The DNA campaign was launched following the end of the prosecution's case in Anwar's sodomy trial on March 23, to explain the defence stand on the issue to the public.
"The way that they react (it was as if) they were trying to arrest him (Anwar) tonight,” said Shamsul.
NONE"This uncalled for. We are celebrating Police Day today and we are supposed to improve the police image.
"Patience has certain limits and the people reached their patience today. That's why chairs, bottles and rocks (were thrown)," he added.
Anwar, who attended another PKR dinner gathering in Kuala Selangor, arrived barely 30 minutes before the ruckus unfolded.
The charismatic speaker received a standing ovation when he was ushered in, as everyone was eager to hear his take on the latest sex allegations. He proceeded to deliver a fiery speech.
NONEThe 64-year-old politician was drawn into another scandal on Monday when three men produced a video of a person resembling him having sexual intercourse with a woman.
The ceramah today was Anwar’s first public appearance since the scandal broke.
Former Malacca chief minister Rahim Thamby Chik, businessman Shazryl Eskay Abdullah and Malay rights NGO Perkasa treasurer Shuib Lazim have revealed themselves as being the persons behind the clip.
"Rahim (is) a criminal and a rapist but he is now considered a leader... although he distributed a sex tape," said Anwar, drawing loud cheers from those present.
NONEThe carnival-like atmosphere became intense as the crowd listened to Anwar's speech, while some parents tried to quiet down their children.
"They have recorded pornography and they are distributing it but they walk free and the police just smile," continued Anwar.
"They put me prison... treated like a dog but these people get off scot-free," he exclaimed.
He urged the people to vote out BN, claiming that the ruling coalition is behind the latest brouhaha.
NONE"They think we are stupid but it's their leaders who are stupid. Show them that they are idiots and fools," said Anwar.
However, before the opposition leader could ended his speech, the police had moved in to stop Anwar and dispersed the gathering.
Other speakers who took the stage tonight were Azmin and Balik Pulau MP Yusmadi Yusof. -M'kini
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