VOTERS from Bornean states should help bring about change, Lim Guan Eng said, referring to the violence at Sunday’s forum where Dr Mahathir Mohamad was pelted with shoes and water bottles.

The Penang chief minister said the fracas at the Nothing to Hide 2.0 forum was a sign that the government’s hold on power is fraying. 

“I think this is an opportunity for all Malaysians to come forward in greater numbers to bring about change,” Lim told The Malaysian Insight.

“And we hope our Sarawakian and Sabahan friends can also be encouraged by this development.” 

Sarawak and Sabah are represented by 56 out of a total of 222 parliamentary seats.

“We want them to know that the people of Peninsular Malaysia also want change and we hope they can also help us bring about this change,” Lim said.

Sunday’s fracas occurred about 5.30pm at the Raja Muda Musa hall in Shah Alam, when Dr Mahathir, the Pakatan Harapan chairman, was answering a question about the Memali incident, which happened during his time in power.

Three youths were apprehended by Bersatu security personnel on the same day. The youths, aged 17 to 19, disrupted the forum by throwing shoes, chairs and igniting at least two flares. 

Lim was also present at the Shah Alam forum but left before the troubles occurred. Today, he blamed Umno for the fracas. “It’s a sign of desperation,” he said.

“The fact that they would resort to this sort of violence, all to silence a 92-year-old man, who is also a former prime minister, shows they are running out of ideas. 

“It only shows that Umno feels they may lose the next general election.”

Police have since arrested 10 more suspects, aged 20 to 30. They are being investigated under the Peaceful Assembly Act, Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act as well as for rioting. 

Police said they are looking for further suspects believed to have paid the youths RM50 each to carry out the acts. 

Lim also criticised Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar for blaming the organisers for being unable to prevent the fracas.

“People want to come and disrupt you, what can you do? We hope that the police can act against those responsible.”

Lawmakers, activists and lawyers have slammed Khalid as well as Shah Alam police chief Shafien Mamat for blaming the organisers of the forum.

An undaunted Dr Mahathir said more forums will be held. – August 17, 2017.