THE planned Bersih rally on July 9 have caused tensions to rise throughout the country -- particularly in Penang, where several members of the Parti Sosialis Malaysia were arrested for allegedly attempting to overthrow the government.

Dozens of PSM members were arrested, including Sungai Siput MP Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj. Police said they were in possession of "Communist" materials. “The Communist Party is an outlawed political organisation. It is unlawful to display and promote communist elements,” said Penang deputy police chief SAC Datuk Abdul Rahim Jaafar. Read here. PSM denies the accusations. "We reject any claims that we are attempting to revive communist ideology in Malaysia or among our members," said PSM chairman Dr Nasir Hashim. Read here.

Police moved to assure the public that Dr Devaraj is well taken care of, following reports that he was sent for a short visit to the Penang Hospital. “We want the best for him. Family members can rest assured that his welfare and safety are well taken care of. The same applies to others who are under police remand,” said Penang police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Ayub Yaakob. Read here.

Though the PSM members were later released, six of them, including Dr Devaraj, were rearrested under the Emergency Ordinance act. They can be held for up to 60 days without trial. Read here.

In related news, the police have obtained a court order banning all Bersih rallies in the state. "We have obtained a court order from the magistrate's court, a notice to prohibit tomorrow's gatherings," said Ayub. Read here. The police did not stop there. At least 101 people wearing Bersih T-shirts were detained; the Home Ministry has outlawed displaying anything that promoted the illegal rally. Read here.

Juniors power through competition

China made a mark at the opening of the World Junior Weightlifting Championships, winning four of six gold medals at the Penang International Sports Arena. The men's 56kg snatch was won by Li Fabin, who also won the overall medal. Thach Kim Tuan of Vietnam took home the gold when he broke the world youth records (under 19) in the men's 56kg clean and jerk (153kg) and overall (273kg). Read here.

In the women's 48kg division, Wipada Sirimongkhon of Thailand won the gold in the snatch; though she and Huang Yuenzhen of China lifted the same weight, Sirimongkhon took the gold because she was lighter than her opponent. Read here.

Jaber Behrouzi of Iran meanwhile won a gold medal in the clean and jerk, but placed fifth in the snatch category. Read here.

Other news

• FAP’s lack of vision earns Penang third-tier status: Not many who follow the domestic football scene would realise that there is a state team missing from either the Super League or Premier League this year. Read here.
• Centre shows commitment of Schlumberger to investment in Malaysia: The opening of Schlumberger Ltd's WesternGeco Penang Product Centre (WPPC) today shows its commitment to its investment in Malaysia. Read here.
• Penang government denies delling Masjid Jalan Tengah wakaf land: The Penang government denied that Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) had bequeathed Masjid Jalan Tengah wakaf land in Jalan Burma and sold it to third parties. Read here.
• Assam laksa-loving Yankee blogger moving to Penang after six years in KL: THE only thing that Robyn Eckhardt regrets about her life’s choices is not going into writing food reviews earlier in life. Read here.
• World Micro opens Asian hub in Penang: Electronics distributor World Micro, Inc., has sealed an agreement with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), the statutory body responsible for the development of the Northern Corridor Economic Region of Malaysia ("Koridor Utara", or NCER) to formalize the opening of its Asian distribution hub in Penang, Malaysia. Read here.

For more news on Penang, please click through to iGT NetBuzz June 27 to July 3, 2011 here. For daily updates, "like" iGeorgeTown on Facebook or join us on Twitter.

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