Protest at CNY function disrespectful: Lim

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has taken to task a group of protesters who turned up at his Chinese New Year open house on Monday.
He said holding a protest at the venue of a festive gathering showed disrespect towards the community in particular and this was probably the first time an open house celebration in the country was disrupted by protesters.
"Fortunately the 15,000-odd crowd at the open house managed to hold their composure and remain calm to avoid any untoward incident following the protest," he told reporters after visiting the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2016 here today.
He was commenting on the protest by a group of 30 people led by Persatuan Muka Buku outside the venue of his open house celebration at SPICE Arena in Bayan Baru.
The group wants Lim to answer the allegation by former DAP member Razali Abdul Rahman that the party received political funding of RM1.2 billion from Israel.
Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, described the allegation as slander and said it was politically motivated.
He said he could end up being jailed and suspended as MP even if DAP received RM12 and met with Israeli leaders.
"I would be in prison," he said, adding that he would leave it to police to investigate the matter.
Meanwhile, the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2016 opened at Padang Polo which coincided with the second day of the Chinese New Year celebration.
Many took the long weekend holidays to visit the fiesta and a ride on the 15 hot air balloons to get an aerial view of Penang.
Five disabled aged between seven and 58 were given free rides on the balloons with Lim.
Visually-impaired, B. Thangaveloo, 58, who celebrated his birthday a few days ago said he was thrilled with the ride although he was nervous.
"I was invited by the organising committee for the ride. This is my best birthday present. I am so happy," he told reporters.
Muhd Solihin Abdullah, 17, who suffers from cerebral palsy and accompanied by his mother Zubaidah Maulana, 50, said he was truly excited with the ride and to see the hot-air balloons of various colours.
Others who had the privilege of a free ride with the chief minister were Ernest Teoh Zhan Feng, 16, Mohd Hilmi Yusoff, 30, and Muhd Hanif Daniel Mohd Hilmi, seven.
Pulau Tikus assemblyman Yap Soo Huey, who was present, said that she was glad to give a lifetime experience to these disabled people.