Penang Umno threatens ‘May 13’ retaliation over PKR’s kangkung flash mob

A large crowd of Umno members protesting in Seberang Jaya, Penang, today against the actions of the kangkung flashmob organised by PKR politician Lee Khai Loon. – January 18, 2014. Penang Umno today retaliated to the "kangkung flash mob" when a group of about 600 took to the streets of Seberang Jaya with provocative banners, including one asking if the state's ruling coalition wanted another May 13.

The mob was protesting against Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon, who had organised the controversial "kangkung" flash mob earlier this week.

Angry that Lee, a PKR assemblyman, had insulted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak by stuffing kangkung into an effigy resembling the leader, the mob took to the streets chanting "Allahu Akbar" and "Hidup Melayu" (Long live the Malays) as they marched about 1km towards the Sunway Carnival Mall with banners.

One banner read "Because of DAP's leaders mouth, May 13, 1969 happened... Want some more?"

Other banners had messages like "Insulting the PM is like insulting the Malays", "Penang Malays survive by eating kangkung", "ABCD - Asal Bukan Cina DAP" and "DAP is the enemy of Islam".

State Umno leaders who were also part of the mob, condemned Lee in their speeches in front of the mall.

State Umno secretary Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir warned Lee and Pakatan Rakyat not to play with fire by undermining their leaders, Islam, the police and other Malay institutions.

"If we lose our patience, please don't blame us."

Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Shabudin Yahaya said the flash mob organised by Lee did not help solve issues.

He said pictures of the flash mob had been circulated as far as the Middle East where nations have respect for Najib, causing damage to his image.

Shabudin reminded Lee that the Malay rulers were the symbols of Islam and the prime minister is the number one Malay leader in the country.

"The way PR tries to ridicule and undermine our leaders will threaten the status of Islam and Malay institutions," he said.

On a less serious note, he joked: "You also take kangkung together with 'yong tao foo'. You eat more (kangkung) than us so you actually benefit more (when the price comes down)."

Meanwhile, Kepala Batas MP Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican challenged Lee to hold another flash mob.

He said Umno would meet him for a face-off, even at a moment's notice.

He said it was alright to have different views but it was totally unnecessary to insult another.

"Furthermore, Najib is the prime minister. He was also elected with the people's mandate.

"The people have made their choice and it has to be respected too," he said.

Another rally to condemn Lee is now being planned in Alma at 10am tomorrow near the PKR rep's service centre, said Permatang Pauh Umno division chief Mohd Zaidi Mohd Said.

Former state Umno Youth chief Dr Sheikh Hussein Mydin reminded PR that Umno still held seats in Penang and hit out at Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for refusing to debate with him on issues.

He also criticised PR for going to East Malaysia to make the people there hate Umno.

Raising the 'Allah' issue, he said Christians should leave the word to the Muslims and use another.

"You all (Christians) have many other words so please use them but we only have one."

On Wednesday, Lee led a group of some 15 people in Alma, Bukit Mertajam on mainland Penang to protest the price hikes.

The group gathered at a busy traffic junction in flash mob fashion with an effigy of Najib and posters criticising his kangkung remark.

The participants of the flash mob also stuffed kangkung into the effigy's mouth while singing a modified version of the popular children's song Lenggang-Lenggang Kangkung.

Yesterday, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is PKR de facto leader, defended Lee and said others had done worse things. – January 18, 2014.