Nabbed: Masterminds behind Ulu Tiram provocation against Syed Saddiq

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested two people believed to be the masterminds behind the intimidation and provocation against Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman at a closed-door event at Ulu Tiram, Johor.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said they were now looking for other people involved in the incident as well.

"We are investigating the case under Section 153,355,357 and 506 of the Penal Code for wantonly giving provocation, with intent to cause riot, attacking or using criminal force with intent to dishonour a person, attacking or using criminal force in an attempt to wrongfully confine a person and criminal intimidation respectively.

"We view this provocation and threats against the minister seriously.

"The incident was committed by certain irresponsible parties who failed to respect the laws of Malaysia," he said in a statement on Saturday (Feb 1).

Hamid said a special task force had been set up to investigate the incident thoroughly, strictly, with integrity and without compromise.

"I urge all parties to respect the laws and not to react in any way that could cause provocation which could lead to public unrest.

"The public are also urged not to politicise this incident and spread any baseless information through any communication platforms or social media," he said.

A group of about 200 people showed up uninvited at the Friday (Jan 31) gathering of Johor Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia members in Ulu Tiram, forcing Syed Saddiq to flee by climbing over a fence.

"We were surrounded by a group of 200 uninvited guests dressed in black," he posted on Facebook.

"They yelled and shouted rude remarks," he said, adding that his parents were also there at the time.

Syed Saddiq said he was worried for the safety of those – including women and children – who were at the event.

He said he was upset by the commotion at the event which was meant to be a peaceful meeting with Johor Bersatu, Armada and Srikandi (women's wing) members.

GEMPAR: Rapat Umum ARMADA diganggu gangster upahan.

Majlis tertutup ARMADA Johor diselar dengan gangguan lebih 200 gangster upahan yang datang menganggu majlis.

Mereka datang dengan kata makian dan berniat jahat! pic.twitter.com/VgjiKFVC6q — #TeamSaddiq (@teamsaddiq) January 31, 2020