Koh hits out at Umno Komtar demo as improper

GEORGE TOWN, Sat: 

Gerakan acting president and former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has criticised the Komtar demonstration by Penang Umno members and supporters, saying that Koh said such action was not the proper way to convey views and express feelings, especially in a multi-ethnic society.

"This has been the stand of the Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional leadership,” he said. "All BN component parties should adhere to such a stand. We have to be consistent," Koh said in a statement today.

Koh was responding to the demonstration by Penang Umno members and supporters at Komtar on Friday, who were protesting against chief minister Lim Guan Eng's recent statement on abolishing the New Economic Policy (NEP).

Koh noted that even though street demonstrations may serve the purpose of allowing many people to vent their grievances and feelings or to raise awareness on certain issues, he cautioned that such acts may heighten tensions and even lead to conflict in a multi-racial society.

"Freedom of assembly should be used wisely and effectively,” he said. "Instead of street demonstrations, holding forums and seminars, as well as presenting memoranda with concrete proposals, supported by facts and figures, would be a more fruitful approach to resolve any issue, including measures to improve the socio-economic status of any disadvantaged community or group.”
"In this way, we can more objectively evaluate the programmes and measure the actual progress made within a certain timeframe, and hence more effectively put pressure on the DAP-led state government in Penang," he said.

--NST