'Anwar planned to occupy Dataran Merdeka'

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has claimed that PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim and his supporters had intended to occupy Dataran Merdeka from April 14-28 in relation to issues connected to the National Higher Education Fund.

However, lukewarm response from the public had derailed his plan, according to the minister.

"The police did not disrupt the (occupation by students), only enforcement officers of Kuala Lumpur City Hall. As such, the occupation failed to rouse public sentiments," Hishammuddin claimed in an interview with Chinese newspaper Sin Chew Daily.

However, he did not cite proof to back his claim about Anwar’s ‘plan’.

He also said the government had learnt its lesson from the Bersih 2.0 rally, that Pakatan Rakyat intended to create chaos to rile up the people.

Hishammuddin reiterated that no one including Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar, senior police officers or he himself, had instructed the police to assault protesters during the Bersih 3.0 rally on April 28.

He refused to apologise for acts of aggression against journalists, only saying that the police force and an independent panel - whose members will be announced this week - will probe the allegations.

Hishammuddin argued that the journalist who had suffered the most severe injuries was the photographer for TV Al Hijrah - Mohd Azri Mohd Salleh (right) was attacked by the protesters while trying to protect a police personnel, he said.

He also confirmed that a rumour had spread during the rally that protestors had killed three police personnel. But whether or not this incited other personnel to turn violent is a question that will be left to the independent panel to decide.

The minister had a similar response to other allegations, including the firing of tear gas canister at protesters and the claim that foreigners had impersonated the police.

‘Rally hijacked’
 
However, he accused Anwar and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali of hijacking the rally after the organiser had asked the crowd to disperse from Dataran Merdeka.

"Before Anwar gave instructions to Azmin, Azmin had instigated his supporters to trespass into Dataran Merdeka. A video recording clearly shows this.

"When Anwar made a hand gesture to Azmin, Azmin instructed the PKR member - who has since been charged - to remove the barbed wire and barricade, and this caused the riot.”

Hishammuddin disclosed that Bukit Aman has formed two panels to investigate the protesters who had created chaos as well as the allegations of police brutality.

"We have collected all the footage on the Internet. We also welcome photographs and video recordings which the public can send to me."

He acknowledged though that most of the protesters are peace-loving people, which was why the government had suggested that the rally be held in a stadium.

Asked about the closure of Masjid Jamek LRT station which was said to have trapped protesters, he passed the buck to the LRT operator, saying this was not a police decision.