Police give warning: Do not gather at court on Jan 9

Police today advised the public against gathering at the Kuala Lumpur Court complex on the day the verdict will be delivered in the sodomy trial involving Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim.

In a posting on the police force's officialFacebook account, deputy inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar said calling for the gathering was a threat to public order.

“There are lots of banners and buntings placed in public places, as well as messages posted on social networking sites, inviting and goading people to gather in front of the court house... on Jan 9.

“The seditious act of calling the public to gather is an act that could undermine public order and is an insult to the administration of justice in our country,” Khalid said.

Such seditious acts, he said, were merely done by self-interested parties to solve their own problems.

“Members of the public are advised to not be fooled by the goading of irresponsible parties that willfully bring their problems to the streets, therefore  creating chaos in our beloved nation,” Khalid said.

The top cop also mused that calling for such a gathering was also “puzzling” as the court had yet to make any decision pertaining to the case.

Several PKR members were picked up in Kelantan earlier this week for distributing leaflets on the Bebaskan Anwar 901 (Free Anwar 901) campaign.

The party is urging Anwar's supporters to gather at the Kuala Lumpur Court complex on Jalan Duta in solidarity with its de factoleader.