Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08KUALALUMPUR394
2008-05-15 10:43:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Cable title:
ATTACK ON DAP OFFICE IN PERAK REFLECTS PRESSURE ON
VZCZCXRO5028 PP RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM RUEHNH DE RUEHKL #0394 1361043 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 151043Z MAY 08 FM AMEMBASSY KUALA LUMPUR TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1002 INFO RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RHHMUNA/USCINCPAC HONOLULU HI PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L KUALA LUMPUR 000394
SIPDIS
FOR EAP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2018
TAGS: PGOV PINR KDEM MY
SUBJECT: ATTACK ON DAP OFFICE IN PERAK REFLECTS PRESSURE ON
OPPOSITION
REF: KUALA LUMPUR 364
Classified By: POLITICAL SECTION CHIEF MARK D. CLARK, REASON 1.4 (B AND
D).
C O N F I D E N T I A L KUALA LUMPUR 000394
SIPDIS
FOR EAP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2018
TAGS: PGOV PINR KDEM MY
SUBJECT: ATTACK ON DAP OFFICE IN PERAK REFLECTS PRESSURE ON
OPPOSITION
REF: KUALA LUMPUR 364
Classified By: POLITICAL SECTION CHIEF MARK D. CLARK, REASON 1.4 (B AND
D).
1. (C) Summary: An early morning May 15 attack on an
opposition party office in Perak produced only minor damage
and no injuries. Whether or not orchestrated by elements of
Prime Minister Abdullah's UMNO party, the attack will allow
UMNO to focus more pressure to bring down Perak's
opposition-led state government, and support UMNO's
contention that the opposition is provoking a Malay backlash.
End Summary.
2. (U) Two unidentified men threw three Molotov cocktails at
the Democratic Action Party (DAP) headquarters in the Perak
state capital of Ipoh at approximately 2:20 a.m. on May 15,
according to press reports. There were no injuries and
property damage was limited to two windows. Deputy Ipoh
police chief, Idris Abdullah, told reporters that
investigations were ongoing. Perak DAP Chairman Ngeh Koo Ham
called the incident "politically motivated" and said he
wanted the police to carry out a thorough investigation.
3. (C) DAP, a predominantly ethnic Chinese opposition party,
unexpectedly emerged from the March 8 elections with the
largest number of state seats in Perak, an ethnic Malay
majority area. DAP, together with two other opposition
parties under the Peoples Alliance, took over the state
government displacing the ruling National Front (BN)
coalition of Prime Minister Abdullah. The Peoples Alliance
holds only a three seat majority in the state assembly. The
May 15 attack occurred in the midst of rumors that some
opposition assemblymen would cross over and return Perak to
BN control. A senior government official from PM Abdullah's
UMNO party told us recently that BN had targeted Perak state
for take-over (reftel).
4. (SBU) Aggravating the Perak situation were controversial
remarks by DAP Chairman Karpal Singh against the State Sultan
questioning his constitutional powers. Perak Mufti (senior
state Islamic religious leader) Harusani, known for his
hardline views, added fuel to the fire by claiming on May 14
that DAP's statements insulted the Malay rulers and were
tantamount to disrespecting Islam. BN-directed media and
other press outlets carried Harusani's comments on May 15.
5. (C) DAP MP and party strategist Liew Chin Tong told us on
May 15 that DAP believed the attack was connected to Karpal
Singh's comments. After making brief statements, DAP
intended "to downplay the incident" and wait for the results
of the police investigation.
6. (C) Comment: In Perak and nationwide, the leading UMNO
party has attempted to stir up Malay fears that recent
opposition gains will erode Malay rights, challenge the
status of the traditional Malay rulers, and harm Islamic
interests. Karpal Singh's ill-considered comments and the
May 15 attack on the DAP office, whether or not orchestrated
by elements within UMNO itself, will allow UMNO to focus more
pressure on the opposition-led state government in Perak and
improve UMNO's chances for regaining control of the state.
The attack will also help UMNO prove its contention that
supposed opposition provocation of the Malays threatens the
nation's internal stability.
KEITH
SIPDIS
FOR EAP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2018
TAGS: PGOV PINR KDEM MY
SUBJECT: ATTACK ON DAP OFFICE IN PERAK REFLECTS PRESSURE ON
OPPOSITION
REF: KUALA LUMPUR 364
Classified By: POLITICAL SECTION CHIEF MARK D. CLARK, REASON 1.4 (B AND
D).
1. (C) Summary: An early morning May 15 attack on an
opposition party office in Perak produced only minor damage
and no injuries. Whether or not orchestrated by elements of
Prime Minister Abdullah's UMNO party, the attack will allow
UMNO to focus more pressure to bring down Perak's
opposition-led state government, and support UMNO's
contention that the opposition is provoking a Malay backlash.
End Summary.
2. (U) Two unidentified men threw three Molotov cocktails at
the Democratic Action Party (DAP) headquarters in the Perak
state capital of Ipoh at approximately 2:20 a.m. on May 15,
according to press reports. There were no injuries and
property damage was limited to two windows. Deputy Ipoh
police chief, Idris Abdullah, told reporters that
investigations were ongoing. Perak DAP Chairman Ngeh Koo Ham
called the incident "politically motivated" and said he
wanted the police to carry out a thorough investigation.
3. (C) DAP, a predominantly ethnic Chinese opposition party,
unexpectedly emerged from the March 8 elections with the
largest number of state seats in Perak, an ethnic Malay
majority area. DAP, together with two other opposition
parties under the Peoples Alliance, took over the state
government displacing the ruling National Front (BN)
coalition of Prime Minister Abdullah. The Peoples Alliance
holds only a three seat majority in the state assembly. The
May 15 attack occurred in the midst of rumors that some
opposition assemblymen would cross over and return Perak to
BN control. A senior government official from PM Abdullah's
UMNO party told us recently that BN had targeted Perak state
for take-over (reftel).
4. (SBU) Aggravating the Perak situation were controversial
remarks by DAP Chairman Karpal Singh against the State Sultan
questioning his constitutional powers. Perak Mufti (senior
state Islamic religious leader) Harusani, known for his
hardline views, added fuel to the fire by claiming on May 14
that DAP's statements insulted the Malay rulers and were
tantamount to disrespecting Islam. BN-directed media and
other press outlets carried Harusani's comments on May 15.
5. (C) DAP MP and party strategist Liew Chin Tong told us on
May 15 that DAP believed the attack was connected to Karpal
Singh's comments. After making brief statements, DAP
intended "to downplay the incident" and wait for the results
of the police investigation.
6. (C) Comment: In Perak and nationwide, the leading UMNO
party has attempted to stir up Malay fears that recent
opposition gains will erode Malay rights, challenge the
status of the traditional Malay rulers, and harm Islamic
interests. Karpal Singh's ill-considered comments and the
May 15 attack on the DAP office, whether or not orchestrated
by elements within UMNO itself, will allow UMNO to focus more
pressure on the opposition-led state government in Perak and
improve UMNO's chances for regaining control of the state.
The attack will also help UMNO prove its contention that
supposed opposition provocation of the Malays threatens the
nation's internal stability.
KEITH