Amicable end to misunderstanding

Story by Amanda Khong

A POLICE report was lodged on Jan 12 at Patani Road Police Station by Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Ong Ah Teong on a Whatsapp message.

Ong also held a press conference right after lodging the police report to further brief the media on the reported case.

Also present during the press conference were MBPP councillors Chris Lee Chun Kit, Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Wong Yue Harng and Grace Teoh Koon Gee.

A message was sent on a Whatsapp group that belonged to a certain political party on Jan 9 saying: “Ong Ah Teong (MBPP Councillor) is one of the racist councillors. Let’s get this picture viral. Penang Malays must rise from oppression. A lot of Malay business these days have become the victims of this racist.” (Ong Ah Teong (Ahli Majlis MBPP) salah seorang dari Ahli Majlis yang rasis. Ayuh viralkan gambar lahanat ini. Melayu Pulau Pinang perlu bangkit dari ditindas…!!! Banyak peniaga-peniaga Melayu hari ini menjadi mangsa rasis musibat ini).

“This accusation is threatening and also at the same time aimed to defame me. I hope that the police can carry out an investigation into this matter. I also hope that the individual involved will come forth to the police and explain this matter or face legal action,” said Ong.

In a recent update of the case, the individual who sent the message came forward and was identified as Mohd Shahedan Mohd Amin, a hawker.

A meeting between Ong and Mohd Shahedan was held on Jan 14 at Komtar to discuss the situation in a calm manner.

Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon was present at the meeting as the mediator to oversee the discussion.

“I was angry and posted those messages in the spur of the moment when I was too worked up. I sincerely apologise to Mr. Ong for what I did,” said Mohd Shahedan.

Ong accepted the apology and will be retracting his police report.document.currentScript.parentNode.insertBefore(s, document.currentScript);