Kayveas and gang ambush Tamil daily

It is said that the politician is upset over an article which claims that the ruling coalition has failed the Indians.

FULL REPORT

KUALA LUMPUR: Enraged over a news article, People’s Progressive Party president M Kayveas and a group of his supporters ambushed Tamil vernacular daily, Malaysia Nanban’s office in Jalan Ipoh here this afternoon.

The blue T-shirt wearing mob is said to be looking for the writer of an article who had called on Indians to demand for their rights since the ruling coalition had failed them.

The writer, who used a pseudonym, urged the Indian community to press both BN and Pakatan Rakyat to fulfill their demands on several issues such as education and eradicating crime ahead of the general election.

Six police patrol cars had been deployed to the scene to contain the situation.

It is learnt that the entourage hurled obscenities at the Tamil newspaper’s staff and accused the editorial team of repeatedly painting Kayveas and PPP in a bad light.

It is also learnt that Kayveas’ group had manhandled a Malaysia Nanban journalist.

Unhappy with a critical article
Malaysia Nanban editor in chief, M Malayandy, when contacted by FMT, confirmed the incident and said Kayveas and his supporters have been harassing them since 3.30pm today.

“Kayveas, Kuala Lumpur PPP chief A Chandrakumanan and a group of 60 people are here demanding to meet our freelance writer since afternoon,” he said.

Malayandy said Kayveas and his supporters were unhappy with the article published by the newspaper today, which they claimed was critical of the party.

“They want to know why we published the article. Basically the article was an overall review of all political parties.

“In one paragraph the writer stated that the PPP was giving the best service by providing free rice for the people. The writer also questioned whether Indians would vote in favour of BN if free rice was given to the people.

“I told Kayveas and the group that if they disagreed with the article, they can issue a rebuttal which we would publish. However they are still demanding in meeting with the writer,” said Malayandy.

Police at the scene
While a heated deliberation took place inside the newsroom – when at one point Kayveas and his group had allegedly ‘raided’ a senior editor’s office to demand answers, the police arrived at about 4pm after receiving a distress call.

The police then held talks with Kayveas and his supporters, urging them to leave the newspaper’s premises but without any success.

Many of Kayveas’ supporters were also seen standing outside Malaysia Nanban’s office.

FMT also learnt that a Malaysia Nanban reporter was hurt when the mob barged into the office.

Crime reporter LK Raj said he was trying to shield his superiors when he was manhandled.

“I tried to shield my boss but they hit me on the head, punched my stomach and back,” said 36-year old reporter.

Kayveas: No ruckus, article insulting
Meanwhile, Kayveas disputed events leading to the incident.

“My supporters did not cause a ruckus at their office. No such thing. Right now, I’m in their office being served drinks and tidbits,” he said.

When asked why they were there, Kayveas said that it was because of an article published by the Tamil daily.

He said the article, penned by one known as Anniyan, had insulted PPP.

“He even called us a party that only goes where there is free food served. Look, the Tamil daily had published many insulting articles against us before but we ignored it.

“But the article yesterday was too much. So we demanded to see the reporter and the editorial team to submit proof of  their accusation. Unfortunately, we’ve waited here so long but the reporter is still missing,” said Kayveas.

Kayveas also said that he had not ruled out any legal action against Malaysia Nanban.

Meanwhile a group of opposition supporters led by Puchong PKR division chief S Muralee arrived at Malaysian Nanban’s office just over an hour after the PPP leader and supporters converged there.

The police and newsmen are also staying put to see how the stand-off would end.

PPP’s action today is surely set to embarrass BN and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak who has been working hard to regain the lost Indian votes.