SHAH ALAM, 4 Sept: Bersih 2.0 is disappointed with the statement by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) who is not taking the issue of the food poisoning experienced by Bersih 4.0 participants on August 30 seriously.
Its Chairman, Maria Chin Abdullah, said that Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, is seemingly undermining his own investigation team which is actively working with Bersih to investigate the mastermind behind the issue.
She said that Khalid also clearly appears to underestimate the credibility of professional medical personnel who are serving voluntarily at the peaceful rally.
“Bersih is very disturbed by the statement by the IGP that the poisoning was from eating too much chili although the toxicology report has not been issued yet.
“He also falsely claimed that only two participants received treatment and none was hospitalised. In fact, 13 participants were treated for nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting, while six others were hospitalised, including two children,” she said in a statement today.
On the second day of the Bersih 4.0 rally, many participants reportedly experienced symptoms of food poisoning after consuming package drinks that were provided for free.
The drinks were placed at the pavement at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman with two posters saying ‘Support Bersih 4 – Take One’.
On the same day, Bersih 2.0 made a police report on the case with the medical team suspecting that the drink was sabotaged by injection.
“I call on the IGP to act in accordance with the mandate entrusted to serve all citizens without discrimination, including Bersih 4.0 participants,” she said.
NS