Major rally next week against Khusrin's posting

(Malaysiakini) - A new pressure group is planning to host a rally next Sunday (Jan 23) to protest the appointment of Mohd Khusrin Munawi as the new Selangor state secretary.

Hormati Suara Rakyat Selangor (HSRS) is hoping to attract at least 10,000 people for the rally, that will be held at the MPPJ stadium in Kelana Jaya.

The group's spokesperson, Haris Ibrahim (left), said the rally is aimed at pressuring federal state secretary Mohd Sidek Hassan to declare Khusrin's appointment null and void.

“Khusrin's appointment is a culmination of the relentless attempts by the BN federal government to frustrate the Selangor administration in carrying out their policies and programmes,” he said at a press conference at the KL-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall today.

Consultation is 'simple courtesy'

Bersih 2.0 chairperson Ambiga Srineevesan (below) pointed out that HSRS was mooted as a united movement amongst various civil society groups to demand that all parties respect the choice of the people in such matters.

She said the controversy surrounding Khusrin's appointment could have easily been avoided if the parties involved had simply consulted and sought the consent of Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim.

"We think it's an infringement of our rights. Ultimately that's what it translates to, 'you may have voted for X, but I don't care'.

"Whenever we see our elected representatives being undermined, when there is an attack on our elected representatives, it is an attack on the voters as it does not respect the choice of the voters.

"Ultimately it boils down to courtesy, convention and the right thing to do," said Ambiga.

HSRS involves 12 civil society groups including Bersih 2.0, Jerit, Pertubuhan Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) and the Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM).

Haris said they plan to host a series of speakers for the event, including at least one representative from the Selangor government, to tell the public "how the (state) government is being sabotaged".

Both Haris and Ambiga assured that the organisers will do all they can to work with the police in maintaining safety and security during the rally, that will be held for three hours from 4pm to 7pm.