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Friday, September 6, 2013

Politicians attending 'Geng 36' events?

It has become an obligation, compulsory even, for famous politicians to accept invitations by NGOs to attend public functions, hand out mock cheques, give a short speech or pose for photographers while cutting the ribbon.

But a recent controversy involving claims that three top BN leaders attended a gang-related event on the pretext that it was a charity event begs the question whether politicians should be more circumspect in accepting invites.

On Monday, a police report was lodged demanding an investigation into an anonymous letter circulating on the Internet, alleging that the trio were involved in a function organised by 'Geng 36' for 6,000 people on Dec 3, 2011 at The Mines, Seri Kembangan.

It was lodged by S Murali (left) in his capacity as a member of an NGO called Tamilar Action Force (TAF). Malaysiakini later learned that he is also the Puchong PKR deputy division chief.

He claimed that his police report was not politically-motivated and his purpose was curbing gang-related activities in the Indian community.

The trio in question are MIC deputy president Dr S Subramaniam, who was the party vice-president at the material time, MIC Youth chief T Mohan and an Umno Youth top gun whose name is being withheld until he responds to Malaysiakini's request for comments.

On Monday Mohan told Malaysiakini that he did attend the event but denied knowing that the organisers had underworld links. He said that the organisers were an NGO called 'Kelab Sukan dan Rekreasi Kajang'.

Does the group even exist?

The following day, Subramaniam also confirmed his attendance and did not find anything amiss.

He said he saw laptops being distributed to children and money given to the poor.

He  added that  he did not know much about the organisers aside from the fact that they were a registered body.

However, checks with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) at both its Putrajaya headquarters and Selangor office revealed that neither had a 'Kelab Sukan dan Rekreasi Kajang' on their records.

The closest name which ROS headquarters in Putrajaya could find was 'Kelab Rekreasi Kajang Selangor Baru', registered in 1999 but records about the group were incomplete and without a contact number.

An official from The Mines, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that a group called 'Kelab Rekreasi Kajang' did in fact book a hall on the said date for a 'Deepavali dinner'.

This appeared strange because that year, Deepavali was celebrated almost more than a month before the event, on Oct 26.

Figures and facts don't match

In addition, the official said that to host 6,000 people, the organiser would need to book three halls at its convention centre and which would cost RM100,000 - a hefty tab for a 'recreational club'.

The official was unable to provide the group's contact details but pointed Malaysiakini to one 'Mr Parthiban' from an event management company called 'Extreme Zone'.

When contacted, 'Mr Parthiban' confirmed that he had organised the event for Kelab Rekreasi Kajang which attracted thousands.
He said that it was the first and only time that he worked for that group and was unable to provide the group's contact details.

When told that there were allegations that the event was underworld related, Parthiban said it was not the case.

"I don't think it was like that. Everyone was wearing traditional Indian garb. I organised the venue and the food. They paid directly to the hotel. I don't know anything else," he added.

Msiakini news

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