Muslim NGOs demanding for Ramasamy’s resignation.
Two groups of rival protesters staged a shouting match at Komtar, with state Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P Ramasamy the subject of their dispute.
Participants of a “pro-Ramasamy” rally organised by Tamil non-governmental organisations (NGOs) started gathering at 1pm, while another group of “anti-Ramasamy” protesters from Muslim NGOs gathered after Friday prayers at 2.50pm.
Police cordoned off the area when the first group began gathering, to prevent the second group from directly engaging with them.
A Light Strike Force team was also deployed to control the crowd.
Both groups involving some 300 people engaged in a shouting match outside the Komtar entrance, with the Muslim group shouting “Allahu Akbar” and calling their rivals “terrorist supporters” while the latter booed in response.
Police intervened when someone was heard shouting a provocative statement and asked both groups to stop.
The police finally asked the groups to disperse at about 3.10pm.
The “anti-Ramasamy” group then handed over a memorandum to Dr Ramasamy’s aide demanding for the Deputy Chief Minister II’s resignation for authorities to investigate him over alleged links to the now-defunct Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant group formerly based in Sri Lanka.
Malaysian Tamilar Kural president David Marshel, who led the “pro-Ramasamy” group, said they were there to show solidarity for Dr Ramasamy.
George Town OCPD Asst Comm Anuar Omar said police were on standby to prevent any untoward incidents.
“Neither group has a permit to assemble under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
“If necessary, we will investigate, but this is a new Malaysia.
“The people have the right to freedom of expression, but they must respect the law,” he said.
Allegations that Dr Ramasamy’s had links to the LTTE arose after a photo of him and pro-LTTE politician V Gopalasamy surfaced online.
A photo of him “worshipping” an AK47 assault rifle also went viral on social media.
Dr Ramasamy said the picture was taken at a memorial for genocide victims in Butterworth, in 2015.
The Penang lawmaker was previously involved in peace negotiations between the LTTE and Sri Lanka.
The LTTE was defeated by the Sri Lankan government in 2009, and is considered a terrorist organisation by 32 countries.
Dr Ramasamy, in a recent statement, said the claims were false and were motivated by his criticism of controversial Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik.
He came under fire from various quarters, including Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, for calling Zakir to be deported to India.
He will meet with Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Mujahid Yusof Rawa and Mohd Asri on Monday to discuss the issue.
Meanwhile, Marshel said it is unfair to accuse Dr Ramasamy of terrorism.
“Please do not twist the facts.
“No country demanded Ramasamy to be deported to face charges but several have asked Zakir to be returned to face claims over his involvement in money laundering and inciting religious violence.
“The real terrorist is not on our side, it is Zakir, he is wanted in several countries,” Marshel added.
Social activist Sudhagaran Stanley, who is a political researcher to Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, said the Ramasamy-Zakir clash was not about religion.
“Many good Muslims have also asked for Zakir to be deported. It’s a Malaysian issue.
“Asri is an educated person, he should be aware of the facts and not twist it to his advantage,” added Sudhagaran.
Dr Ramasamy is currently the subject of more than 50 police reports accusing him of links to the Tamil Tigers.