Clampdown on internet, public transport?

Bersih 2.0 says it has received reports of a possible full or partial clampdown on public services on Saturday. Not true, says the IGP.

UPDATED

PETALING JAYA: Bersih 2.0 has registered alarm over the possibility of a full or partial clampdown on the internet, telecommunication services and public transportation on Saturday.

Citing intelligence feedback, the coalition warned the government against aping the Middle Eastern dictators in a futile attempt to thwart its rally at Stadium Merdeka.

In a statement today, Bersih 2.0′s steering committtee said such measures would not dampen its resolve.

“Bersih 2.0 reiterates in no uncertain terms that any repression, intimidation and obstacles will not for an instant dilute our resolve to gather peacefully at Stadium Merdeka at 2pm, after which we will disperse just as peacefully.”

“Should any of the above repressive measures come into effect, Malaysians and the international community will witness for themselves the desperate and unwarranted extremes to which the government is willing to go to prevent clean and fair elections.

“The government will also be unequivocally and fully responsible for the loss of business, the loss of confidence within the investment community and the complete loss of goodwill towards Malaysia’s political and commercial standing.”

Earlier today, Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman Syed Hamid Albar confirmed that Putrajaya had given a directive to freeze all temporary bus permits to Kuala Lumpur.

The former home minister justified the move on the basis that there were no festival occassions going on nor was it the school holidays.

Based on the recent developments, Bersih 2.0 expected the government to pull the plug on the Internet and telecommunication services as well.

“Bersih 2.0 warns the government that should access to mobile phone networks, the Internet, mobile 3G services, specific websites or social media be compromised in any way whatsoever, then the authorities will look absolutely no different from the Middle Eastern dictators who have used the same measures with no success whatsoever.”

The coalition also urged members of the public who wanted to join the rally to enter the city centre by today or tomorrow.

“Intelligence suggests that public transport will be shut down, either partially or fully on Friday and/or Saturday. Observing the shocking fact that bus permits to Kuala Lumpur have already been frozen, plans seem to be well in place to make entering Kuala Lumpur on July 9 as difficult as humanly possible.”

IGP brushes off rumours, issues warning

Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar however brushed aside the loose talk of any imminent internet and public transport clampdown.

He urged the public not to pay any heed to these rumours.

“Who is spreading such rumours? Don’t waste time with these. Those who spread these news to discredit the authorities, if I catch them, well, we’ll take action,” he said.

“Call your nearest station or your state chief of police if you hear something like that. Check,” he said.

Ismail also denied that police will attempt to restrict traffic into the city. He however said that police personnel will “regulate traffic” and will keep a lookout for dangerous elements.