2007/09/11
OPPOSITION leader Lim Kit Siang has called for an independent public inquiry into the Kuala Terengganu riot on Saturday night.
“Such an inquiry is imperative as the Kuala Terengganu incident seems to have provided the final proof that all the three major objectives of the 125 recommendations of the Royal Police Commission for world-class police service — to reduce crime, to eradicate corruption in the police force and to uphold and respect human rights — had been completely disregarded,” he said during the debate on the budget yesterday.
Lim said the riots would not have occurred if the recommendations of the Royal Police Commission to the police to respect human rights, in particular with regard to the fundamental right to hold assemblies, meetings and processions, had been taken seriously.
However, Lim felt action should be taken against those who had burnt the Jalur Gemilang during the riot, including supporters of opposition parties.
Lim said burning the flag was unacceptable — irrespective of whether the person was a supporter of the opposition or otherwise. At this juncture, Datuk Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) rose to defend the police saying they were maintaining law and order.
Mohamed said the requirement for a permit for ceramah applied to both the opposition and ruling parties.