Arson suspected in Penang DAP headquarters fire: Who are the culprits?

Four days after Penang DAP headquarters was splashed with red paint, a stack of newspapers, which was placed outside the building, was set on fire about 3am today.

Komtar assemblyperson Ng Wei Aik, who had been alerted to the fire, said in a Twitter message: “Someone tried 2 torch down DAP Penang HQ around 3am. All the newspapers put outside the HQ have been burnt down. 2nd attack after 4 days.”

According to Ng, the residents had contacted the fire fighters, who came to the scene about 15 minutes later.

Ng said, "A bottle was found, but we cannot determine whether the suspected arsonist had used kerosene to start the fire. The firemen took the bottle away for tests. A neighbour who lives opposite the building saw a person on a motorcycle leaving the area after the fire was lit."

Meanwhile, state DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow said he was shocked and disgusted with the latest attack on DAP and the state government.

Chow described the early morning incident as not an accident but "an intentional coordinated act" by persons with political motives and took the police to task for failing to make a strong stand on such acts against the party.

He said at a press conference in Penang today, "I demand the police immediately investigate and take action on those responsible for this despicable and hateful act. The longer the police delay action, the more it will look like hate crimes against the DAP are permitted."
 

Chow (right), who is a state executive member, welcomed anyone dissatisfied with the party or state to voice out their issues through legitimate and civil channels.

He also said that the party and state were open to criticism and ready to engage citizens with genuine concerns and blamed the mainstream media controlled by the federal government and its ruling political parties, for ignoring their side of the story.

Chow said that they were being portrayed as racists and bullies, but they had never ever resorted to violence.