Syed Saddiq lodges police report over assault

(NST) – Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has lodged a police report on an attack on him by opposition supporters near the nomination centre for the Semenyih state seat by-election here today.

Kajang district police chief Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Dzaffir Yusoff confirmed that the report was lodged by the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Youth chief at the Sg Way police station in Petaling Jaya at 2.30pm.

Ahmad Dzaffir said another police report was lodged by a policeman, who had rescued Syed Saddiq from the attack, which occurred after the conclusion of the nomination process for the by-election at 10.45am.

“In the report, which was lodged at 1.20pm at the Kajang police station, the policeman claimed he was attacked from behind while trying to rescue the minister and defuse the commotion,” he said in a statement today.

Ahmad Dzaffir said Syed Saddiq was walking towards his car, which was parked near an area, where a group of BN supporters were gathering, at the traffic light junction near Persiaran Impian Perdana.

As the minister was making his way towards his car, he was allegedly provoked by the group , who hurled harsh words such as ‘bodoh’ (stupid), ‘bangang’ (imbecile), ‘anjing’ (dog) and ‘hancing’ (foul-smelling).

“Syed Saddiq only waves his hands and greeted his critics, which angered some of the supporters, who later chased him resulting in an altercation.

“Syed Saddiq claimed he was strangled by a BN supporter identified as Papagomo during the attack,” he said.

Ahmad Dzaffir said police together with the help of Pas’ Amal volunteer unit had provided protection for Syed Saddiq as he walked towards his car.

“The police is still in the process of recording statements from witnesses in the incident before making classification and taking further action on the case.”