FRU used in Bukit Gantang

The past two weeks has seen such a high volume of FRU and police personnel being deployed in all three Bukits. Today, the FRU finally was used in Bukit Gantang (stories available on malaysiakini, and on Anil Netto's blog)

I am strongly of the opinion that the deployment and use of the FRU should only (if ever at all) be used in situations of extreme violence (where life and property stands in clear risk).

The use of the TEAR GAS and the FRU in election circumstances is a step backwards for democracy amd depicts the desperation of the BN government in retaining power.

Use of such force will deter voters from voting and plants the image of violence and instability on the part of the opposition. This is neither fair nor is it a responsible act by the Executive.

From MALAYSIAKINI

Bukit Gantang Blogger Anil Netto has put up a video clip on the teargas incident at SMK Pengkalan Aur polling centre in Air Kuning, Changkat Jering.

An eyewitness told Malaysiakini that the FRU moved in to disperse the crowd following an altercation between the two sets of supporters. They threw bottles and chairs at one another. The incident happened between 11am and 12.30pm.

The teargas affected many elderly people in the crowd. Some appeared shaky after inhaling the gas.

See the video clip here.