NGOs force cancellation of international conference in Penang

GEORGE TOWN: Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) forced an international conference from continuing for its alleged link to Jews.

Pertubuhan Pembela Nasib Melayu Malaysia (Gerakan Merah), Jaringan Melayu Malaysia and Penang Perkasa claimed that the International Scottish Masonic Conference organised by District Grand Lodge of the Middle East was “linked to the Jews and against Islam and Muslims.”

Several of their members had gathered outside the hotel in Batu Ferringhi demanding that the meeting be cancelled.

Gerakan Merah president Mohd Ali Baharom, or Ali Tinju, claimed that no other hotels in Penang had allowed the conference to be held.

A small commotion erupted between the protesters and policemen when someone tried to take away the loud hailer used by Jaringan Melayu Malaysia president Azwanddin Hamzah who was addressing the crowd.

Police managed to control the situation and told the group to disperse.

Later, several leaders of the NGOs went into the hotel up to check if the conference was still going on. They came out to inform the group that it had been cancelled.

“We have successfully stopped the conference and I believe it has been cancelled,” Azwanddin told the crowd.

Conference organising chairman Neoh Ho Keat told The Star that the conference, which was attended by some 300 members, went smoothly.

He said the members had come from 21 countries such as Nigeria, Bahamas, Hong Kong and India.

“We were inside the hotel and do not even know what was happening.

“Nevertheless, these people have their right to protest as this is a democratic country. We can’t stop them,” he said.

Neoh said the conference was meant to renew old acquaintances, make new friends and expand Masonic knowledge and understanding.