Ali Tinju: Media had spun my quotes to make me look like a thug and violent person

PETALING JAYA: Gerakan Merah leader Mohd Ali Baharom (pix), popularly known as Ali Tinju, claimed that he was misquoted by the media over the alleged verbal assault against Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah.
Speaking to theSun, Ali said the media had spun his quotes to give an impression that he was a thug and violent person, stressing that his comments was not meant to be a threat.
"I am innocent. I did not finish my sentence (and the media) does not possess any recording or video which quoted me issuing such (threats)," he said.
"My comments were not a criminal threat … I will not retract my statement and there is no need for me to apologise," he added.
On Monday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed that Ali Tinju is being probed for criminal intimidation, while Maria is being investigated for activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy
An online news portal had quoted Ali Tinju telling Maria that "she may no longer walk on this earth", following her announcement to hold the Bersih 5 rally on Nov 19.
Ali said he had been interrogated by the police for three hours over the comments that he had made to Maria.
"I will cooperate with the police and its investigation. I will concur with any decision made by the authorities, even if I was found guilty," he said.
On the planned "butt exercise" by Gerakan Merah in front of Maria's house, Ali said it would go on as planned if the latter continue with her intention to hold the massive rally.
Ali also challenged Maria to contest in a one-on-one fight against him at the Bandar Tun Razak Parliament constituency in the next general election.
"If she managed to win the votes, she can voice her dissatisfaction in the Parliament, instead of going to the streets (to protest)," he said.
"If she is unhappy with the current government, wait until the 14th general election. I challenge her to contest in Bandar Tun Razak parliamentary seat. I will be there. One-on-one," he added.
Asked why he picked Bandar Tun Razak specifically for the showdown, Ali said incumbent Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim might not be contesting in the next election, and the constituency has a fair representation of races.