Police: Dr M-Nazri debate cancelled due to 'credible threat' to safety
SHAH ALAM: A credible threat to public safety was the reason that the debate between Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz was cancelled after it was earlier given the go ahead.
Selangor deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohd Fuad Abdul Latiff (pix) said police intelligence showed that there would be certain parties who might cause disturbance, not only on the day itself but on the days leading up to and after the event.
"We came to this conclusion after receiving 18 police reports from not only in Shah Alam but all over Selangor, even from Hulu Selangor.
"That is why we decided that it is best to cancel the debate," he told a press conference at state police headquarters Sunday.
He said police are investigating reports lodged by individuals who feared for their families and own safety.
Earlier, police had given their approval for the debate, scheduled for April 7, to be held at Karangkraf's headquarters in Shah Alam. The approval was withdrawn on Saturday.
The debate was to have taken place in Kuala Kangsar on March 25 but Perak police refused to issue a permit.
On Sunday, Dr Mahathir reportedly questioned the decision to cancel the debate on grounds of public order. He said the venue of the debate (Karangkraf headquarters in Shah Alam) is located in an industrial area, and not a residential area.
DCP Mohd Fuad, however, refuted Dr Mahathir's claim.
"Maybe he can come and visit the area first. There is a residential area close by and there are people (working) in the industrial area as well," he said.
He added the police reports that had been lodged came not just from that area but from all over Selangor.
Asked of the possibility that the debate would be held in the future, DCP Mohd Fuad said it "is possible" but police "will always put public safety first."
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/04/02/mahathir-nazri-debate-called-off-credible-threat-to-safety/#XwwcfqVsFFpd18Wy.99
Permit for Nazri-Dr M debate revoked
BY D. KANYAKUMARI
image: http://www.thestar.com.my/~/media/online/2017/03/31/14/17/mahathir-nazri-debate.ashx/?w=620&h=413&crop=1&hash=D639E5A56FF042869A8F67C6B079A4936B3675E1
PETALING JAYA: The debate between Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that was earlier given the go-ahead by authorities has now been cancelled.
Karangkraf chairman Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub said the permit initially granted for the event in Shah Alam on April 7 had been revoked.
"On Friday morning, we received a call that the permit had been approved and that we could pick it up.
"We picked it up yesterday, but this evening at around 6pm we were informed that the permit had been cancelled," he said on Saturday.
Asked if any reason was given for the decision, he said that there had been complaints from residents around the area, saying that the event could affect public order and safety.
Hussamuddin added that the debate was now called off indefinitely.
"We think they do not want us to have the debate, so what to do?" he said.
He added that Dr Mahathir, the former prime minister, had already been informed and Nazri, the Tourism and Culture Minister, would be informed as soon as possible as he was in India for work.
The debate was originally scheduled for March 25 at the Mara Junior Science College in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, but it was postponed as the organisers did not obtain prior police approval.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/04/01/permit-for-nazri-dr-m-debate-revoked/#LWiwfFUig0F6g4j5.99
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