DAP city councillor claims being framed by faction within own party

BUTTERWORTH: DAP city councillor David Marshel has claimed that a faction from within his own party is trying to frame him by linking him to a criminal case involving the assault of a community leader.

Claiming to be a victim of an internal political rift, Marshel expressed shock that a man had made a statutory declaration (SD) linking him to one of the suspects in the assault on a temple board official in July.

"I don't know the person who made the SD but I believe it was made to divert the investigation of the case.

"I believe I am being targeted by a certain group of people for political reasons and done by people in my own political party, not the opposition," he said during a press conference in Prai on Tuesday (Oct 12).

Marshel said since the SD went viral on social media about a week ago, he worried for the safety of himself and his family.

According to the SD, which was allegedly certified by a commissioner for oaths in Bukit Mertajam, the SD's signatory claimed his informant is an individual named "G" who was allegedly hired by the DAP member to attack the temple official.

The man claimed he had to flee to safety to avoid being threatened by Marshel or persecuted by the police.

Marshel said he has since lodged two police reports, denying the allegations.

He added that the victim of the attack had been his neighbour since 2008 and he had no interest in the Hindu organisation.

"I am a Christian; why would I attack him? I have also known the victim since before I entered into politics.

"I hope the police can conduct an immediate investigation and help me clear my name," said the city councillor.

In July, the temple official was attacked by four individuals in front of his residence in Taman Alma, Machang Bubok.

The victim sustained injuries in the neck, thighs, back of the head and body.