Inspector-general of police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar should investigate the food poisoning that reportedly took place during Bersih 4 rally, rather than poke fun on this serious matter, Bersih says.
Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah said it was very disturbing that the police chief should treat a serious matter such mass poisoning in such a light-hearted manner.
Maria noted in a statement today that Khalid even went to the extent of saying that the poisoning was due to "eating too much chilli", even as he admitted that the toxicology report was not out yet.
Khalid said at a press conference yesterday that police have yet to get the toxicology report on allegations that boxed drinks handed out at the rally were contaminated.
"We don't know what caused the food poisoning. They may have had too much chilli," he quipped.
Khalid added that those who suffered poisoning rejoined the protest after getting medication.
Maria said Khalid had muddled his facts by claiming that only two participants sought treatment and that none was hospitalised.
"The fact is there were 13 people who had taken ill after drinking packet drinks laced with some sort of poison.
"These packet drinks were left on the pavement of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, with two posters saying 'Support Bersih 4 – Take One'.
"All who took the drinks suffered nausea, stomach ache and vomited. Six people were hospitalised overnight, including two children," she said.
Packet drinks punctured with needle holes
Maria ( photo ) added that the medical team volunteers at the Bersih 4 rally were healthcare professionals who supported Bersih's right to a peaceful assembly and were there to attend to any medical emergency that may arise.
"Their assessment and report of the sabotage of packet drinks punctured with needle holes should be taken seriously, not mocked at.
"In brushing aside the seriousness of the poisoning, even before the investigation is completed, the IGP is also belittling the efforts of his own investigation officer who is trying to find out who the culprits of this poisoning are. "
She said Bersih made a police report on Aug 30 and is cooperating with the police in this investigation.
“Bersih 2.0 calls on the IGP to conduct himself in a manner befitting the position entrusted to him by the public, that is, to protect and serve all regardless and not be seen to discriminate against those who participated in Bersih 4,” Maria added.
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