Police have detained six youths to assist in investigations into the disruption of the ‘Anything But Umno’ (ABU) ceramah in Shah Alam on Saturday.
Shah Alam district police chief Zahedi Ayob said that those detained were aged between 16 and 19 and comprised students, several SPM-leavers and a few unemployed.
They were taken into custody in two batches yesterday afternoon and in the wee hours of this morning.
All six were released later in the morning, Zahedi told reporters today.
He also clarified that those detained, held under Section 148 of the Penal Code, were not part of the incident but are believed to be able to assist police investigations.
Section 148 deals with the possession of weapons, including sticks, during a riot or public unrest.
Eyewitnesses claimed that the event held at the Shah Alam City Council hall in Jalan Kebun, co-organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force, was called off over safety concerns following a violent disruption by a group carrying sticks.
Police deny collusion
A man was injured and hospitalised following the scuffle.
Earlier, Selangor police chief Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah had said that “nothing happened” but nearby residents were unhappy.
ABU lodged a police report on the incident yesterday.
Speaking at his office in Shah Alam in the afternoon, Zahedi said that they are also searching for several local residents that may be able to assist in further investigations.
He also denied police collusion and involvement in the alleged fracas, saying that the lack of response from cops is because they were unaware of the disruption at the event until way after it happened, and not during or before, as was claimed by some quarters.
Zahedi maintained that no damage was sustained at the venue due to the attack.
“News that say there was damage to public property is false.”
He also urged organisers of ceramahs and similar events to inform the police in advance so that they can be prepared, and respect local sensitivities on the subject matter of speeches to avoid anyone from being unhappy with their event.


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