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The incident also saw an object hurled at the 92-year-old statesman, who is also chairman of the federal opposition pact Pakatan Harapan and his own party, PPBM.
Lim said the attack was likely orchestrated by “pro-BN forces”, as it felt threatened by Dr Mahathir’s influence on the people and his criticism of the 1MDB issue.
“They are so worried to hear him speak, since Dr M is a credible speaker, who is supported by the rakyat.
“The hostile action against Mahathir shows a culture of intimidation and bullying which is rife in pro-BN forces. We condemn the attack on him and those attending the forum today.
“We will not submit to such violence and will carry on fighting them. They are dead wrong if they think we won’t.
“We will not desist, but resist and persist,” Lim told FMT.
Lim said he and DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang had attended the forum earlier this afternoon but left later together to catch a flight back to Penang.
Guan Eng said the forum organisers had anticipated the possibility of hooligans gatecrashing, and had plans to whisk VIPs and forum members to safety if something untoward happened.
He said police must investigate how the gatecrashers had access to flare guns and who masterminded the attack.
Guan Eng said the attack served as a reminder of how repressive the BN regime might be in future if it won another term in the next general election.
“If they win, the repression will be worse than what it is now.”
Pandemonium erupted at the Nothing to Hide forum organised by PPBM Youth at the Dewan Raja Muda Musa in Shah Alam.
Soon after a projectile was thrown in Mahathir’s direction as he answered a participant’s question, PPBM members rushed onto the stage to protect the 92-year-old chairman of PPBM and Pakatan Harapan.
PPBM Youth head Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman said at least one volunteer was hurt after he was hit by a chair.
Police have arrested three suspects, aged between 17 and 19.
Dr M not injured and wants struggle to continue, says PPBM Youth
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