The Malaysian Insight

THE remand order for the three youths allegedly involved in the Nothing to Hide 2.0 forum chaos has been extended by another four days, following its expiry today.

Magistrate Khairul Nizam Abu Bakar granted the police application.

The trio, aged 17,18 and 19, were the first to be nabbed by police in the investigation into Sunday’s incident.

They were brought to the Shah Alam court complex at 11am. Their families were there, hoping to meet their children, but were barred by police.

“Please, do not take their photographs. They are still students,” said one of the youths’ family members.

The trio were among 13 suspects picked up by Selangor police to facilitate the investigation into the fracas at the weekend event, held in Shah Alam.

Police also seized their handphones.

In the incident, shoes, chairs and water bottles were thrown towards the stage where Bersatu chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad was seated.

Lit flares were thrown around the hall, causing panic among attendees.

Sources told The Malaysian Insight that the suspects were paid RM50 to attend the event and were told there would be a bonus if they caused chaos.

They were asked to assemble in Setiawangsa and given T-shirts to wear.

It is understood that they were transported to the forum in a car.

One of the family members, who initially refused to speak to the media, said they did not want to interfere with police’s investigation by giving out statements.

“We do not want our statements to be misconstrued. We do not want them (the youths) to become political tools. So, it is better for us to keep our mouths shut.

“He is a good boy. He was there at the wrong time and the wrong place.”

The family member declined to reveal which suspect she was referring to.

She said the family, especially the youth’s mother, was under great stress following the teen’s arrest.

The three suspects broke down after seeing their parents at court today.

Police are working to track down the brains behind the incident, which caused the forum to be stopped abruptly. – August 17, 2017.