Students' roadshow to go on despite mob attack

The organisers of the nationwide rally for academic freedom will not cancel their programme despite being violently attacked by dissenters last Saturday.

According to student NGO Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia chairperson Ahmad Syukri Ab Razab (left), safety measures are in place for their next roadshow stop in Batu Pahat, Johor, on Feb 26.

"We have also contacted locals in the area for support. In Klang last weekend, the locals were the ones who helped us get out of the tense situation," Ahmad Syukri said when contacted.

The police have been informed and a permit is pending for the Batu Pahat event, which is to be held at a community hall.

"We will also bring our own 'safety personnel' and make sure more of us are there, should anything happen," he said.

Ahmad Syukri, who along with 14 other student activists was attacked by gangsters in Kampung Idaman in Klang on Feb 12, added that local organisers who invite the activists to speak were also asked to ensure the safety of attendees.

"A youth group in Kelantan has invited us to speak, tomorrow, and we have asked them to prepare for any disruption and to inform us of their plans," he said.

Ahmad Syukri also said that the students have not heard from police since the Klang incident.

'Residents angry'

Malay daily Berita Harian reported yesterday that according to Klang Selatan district police chief Mohamed Mat Yusop, five people have been detained in connection with the mob attack on the students and they had been released on Sunday morning.

"Besides that, 40 people have been called for an identification parade. Investigations are ongoing," Mohamed is quoted as saying.

He added that the student's anti-Universities and University Colleges Act roadshow had "angered residents in surrounding areas, who then chased them away".

This has been the second ceramah aborted following mob attacks in the past month. On Jan 21, an Anything But Umno rally at Jalan Kebun, near Klang, was disrupted, leaving one person injured.