MP, 14 others fined over Lynas demo

Wong Tack and nine others to pay RM1,500 each

KUANTAN: Bentong MP Wong Tack and 14 others have been convicted for their involvement in an anti-Lynas protest in 2014.

Sessions Court judge Unaizah Mohd found the Himpunan Hijau protesters guilty after determining that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

In mitigation, counsel Mohd Haijan Omar urged the court to use its discretion to grant a good behaviour bond, seeing that his clients were first-time offenders and had given their full cooperation during the four-year trial.

He added that the protest was a selfless act and there was no serious damage or injuries inflicted on any party.

Wong Tack and nine others were fined RM1,500 each in default 30 days’ jail for failing to obey police orders to disperse during the protest held at the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant in Gebeng here on June 22, 2014.

The nine others are Chong Kong Yuen, Raymond Ng Abdullah, Hew Kuan Yau, Thomas Wong, Ta Weng Seng, Rafar Ahmad, Lee Kai Ming, Tan Chee Hooi and Zamri Zainal.

Five other protesters, Phua Kia Yaw, Ho Kam Huat, Foong Poh Choo, Wong Chee Wai and Wong Chee Wen, were convicted for using force to breach a police barricade.

They were fined RM1,600 each in default 40 days’ jail.

Ho was also found guilty of using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty.

He was fined an additional RM1,000 in default 20 days’ jail.

However, the fine, which is below RM2,000, means Wong Tack’s status as an MP would not be jeopardised.

Despite that, the Himpunan Hijau leader said he would appeal his conviction.

“Although the sentence will not legally affect my position as an MP, I will not admit I am a criminal,” Wong Tack said after sentencing.

Deputy public prosecutors Datuk Faridz Gohim Abdullah and Shahrul Ekhsan Hasim appeared for the prosecution.