Angpow issue: Julau MP says ‘lucky money’ for kids
SIBU: The RM5 angpows distributed on Feb 11 in Pakan during the Chinese New Year visiting were meant for the children, clarified Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng.
In a statement yesterday, Sng said the ‘angpows’ were ‘for luck and the preservation of Chinese customs’.
His clarification came after Julau police chief DSP Andam Sulin revealed that the four men arrested on Feb 12 for suspected gangsterism in Pakan were said to have been dissatisfied with the RM5 angpows that Sng had given them.
In response, Sng said: “At 12.30pm, I came across the gangsters at an open house and they asked for angpows. I told them that it was small money but since they insisted, I would give it to them for luck.
“After 20 minutes, the head of the gang returned an angpow and stuffed RM20 in it. At 5pm, as I was leaving the Pakan District officer’s house, four gangsters, including their head, surrounded me and said the amount was too small, and expressed their displeasure.
“I agreed and told them that next year, I would prepare more. They then asked for RM500, which I agreed to bank in to someone they know.”
According to Sng, as he entered the car, the gang refused to disperse and started arguing with his supporters. He also claimed that they pushed the longhouse chieftain, TR Empi to the ground.
Sng said he found out later that the head of the gang had informed someone in his entourage about them carrying weapons in their car and were planning to attack him.
This prompted him to head to the police station to lodge a report for his own personal safety as well as those around him. Sng opined that the men were not upset because of the money, but might have been holding a grudge.
“I am aware that their head had previously supported another candidate during the election and lost big money in gambling when he bet on me losing the last general election. It may have started from there,” he claimed.
Sng also spoke about a separate incident where the same suspect allegedly used his fist to hit the bonnet of Sng’s car at a youth club event on May 13 last year.
“Two days later, my car was stolen. I was not present at the function and no police report was lodged then,” he added.
In a statement, Andam said all four suspects were arrested on Feb 12, at 6pm, by Criminal Investigation Department personnel. The case is being investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code, which provides for up to two years in prison, or a fine, or both upon conviction.
At 12.30pm, I came across the gangsters at an open house and they asked for angpows. I told them that it was small money but since they insisted, I would give it to them for luck.
Datuk Larry Sng