Perkasa burns Namewee's photo, creates tension, fear

A group of 50 protesters from Malay rights group Perkasa gathered outside the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) in Kuala Lumpur tonight to protest against controversial rapper Namewee as he was about to speak at a youth forum.

The angry crowd, brandishing Malaysian flags, then proceeded to burn enlarged photos of Namewee.
Superimposed on Namewee's face in the photos was a pig's snout. Shouts of 'Namewee babi' and 'pengkhianat' (traitor) were also heard.

The protestors, some of whom wore Perkasa's trademark red headbands, were held back from approaching the main gate of the assembly hall by a team of 50 anti-riot police in two police trucks

Namewee, who was addressing an audience of 600 people inside the hall, called on everyone to remain calm.

The rapper was speaking at a youth summit together with SCAH chief executive officer Tan Ah Chai at a session entitled 'Youth, why do you need to 'Nah'?

At about 9.30pm, due to commotion and the resulting tension, the organisers decided to end the session.

Perkasa confirms role

KLSCAH Youth chief Ng Chong Shoon said that the dialogue session was cut short due to the 'tension' caused by the Perkasa gathering outside the hall.

He urged all the audience to leave the hall calmly and not to react to the provocation from Perkasa members.

"The police have assured our safety, including Namewee's, so we hope they will keep their promise."

Selangor Perkasa chief Ahmad Zambri Zahari, when contacted, confirmed that Perkasa organised the demonstration in from of KLSCAH, led by the organisation's youth chief Arman Azha Abu Hanifah (photo).

The protesters eventually left the area at about 9.30pm with the police staying put to keep a watchful eye as the crowd in the hall also dispersed.

After the event ended, Namewee took the opportunity to sign copies of his posters and albums for his fans.

Ironically, Tang, who spoke earlier, said that it was Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali, and not him, who should have a dialogue with Namewee.

Asked by journalists for his reaction to the protest, Namewee said: “I have no comment, I'm not politician. I came here to for an anti-racism event.”

But they came for you?

It's not my problem.

They burn your photos...

Not my business - they burn my photo, not me.

Will you apologise as demanded by Perkasa?

No, apologising is not the point. I'm here to help solve the issue of racism.

Are you scared of Perkasa?

I'm not scared. I believe the police will protect me.

Namewee left KLSCAH at 10pm in a car escorted by a group of his fans, and flanked by two police officers on motorbikes.

Malaysiakini
29/09/10