Dapsy secretary Lee Fu Haw, who headed the security team at the forum, said the organisers had informed the police of the event.
“We informed the police and they should have done their duty. I don’t think any invitation was needed,” he said at a press conference at DAP headquarters here.
He was asked to comment on IGP Khalid Abu Bakar’s remarks that the organisers of the forum were responsible for the safety of those attending the event.
Khalid said the organisers should know the Peaceful Assembly Act and be aware that it stated clearly the safety of the participants was their responsibility.
He also said the organisers should have screened the participants before letting them into the hall.
Up to today, 13 men have been detained for investigations into the fracas at the forum organised by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (PPBM) youth wing.
Dapsy national chief Wong Kah Woh said it was unfair for the police to point fingers at the organisers for the ruckus.
“No organiser wants such a thing to happen.
“It is clear the security at any activity, organised either by Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Harapan, is the responsibility of everyone including the police,” said Wong.
He asked the IGP not to bark up the wrong tree before investigations were completed.
DAP’s Balakong state assemblyman Eddie Ng said the police were responsible to look after the security of the entire event and not just outside the hall.
“Does this mean anything that happens (inside the hall) is not the responsibility of the police?” he asked.
“The Shah Alam OCPD had said 42 police personnel were at the event. That is the joke of the year.”
Furthermore, Ng said the organisers had informed the police that it was an open forum and anyone could attend it.
He also said there were 150 people from Pakatan Harapan looking after security at the forum and it was not fair to blame the organisers for the ruckus.
“Hope it won’t be used as an excuse (to bar) future forums,” he added.
Dapsy international secretary Howard Lee said the IGP’s role was to investigate the ruckus and charge the culprits in court.
“If he is not prepared to do his duty, let others do the work,” said Lee.
The forum was just into its second hour when individuals in the audience began throwing slippers and bottles at the stage,
PPBM chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad was then finishing his answer to a question on the 1985 Memali incident in Baling, Kedah, which had resulted in the death of 14 villagers and four police officers.
Chairs were also flung at the crowd and flares were ignited, causing pandemonium.