Haris: I’m not propagating violence

The ABU leader says that the planned street rally to oust the BN government is not a clarion call for a violent uprising.

PETALING JAYA: Haris Ibrahim, who caused a stir with his proclamation that the Barisan Nasional government will be toppled through a show of people power, stressed that he is not propagating violence.

Responding to those who associated the planned rally with a violent uprising, the Anything But Umno (ABU) leader said: “Certainly no violence is planned. We don’t intend that at all.”

Haris also pointed out that the movement was representing all Malaysians, including those in the security forces, their children and grandchildren.

“Those in the security forces saw their colleagues lay down their lives in the battle against the foreign intrusion in Lahad Datu [Sabah]. But here, the BN government brings in foreigners to vote. So have their sacrifices been in vain?” he asked.

Haris, a lawyer by profession, was referring to the claim that foreign nationals were brought in to vote in favour of Barisan Nasional, a charge which the latter denied.

The recently-concluded general election witnessed a slew of allegations with regard to electoral fraud, which the opposition claimed was perpetuated by BN with the assistance of the Election Commission to ensure that its grip on power remains.

Following the polls, Pakatan Rakyat supremo Anwar Ibrahim has been travelling the nation to hold mass rallies to drive home his message that the BN government is illegitimate.

Pakatan leaders and their supporters have also dubbed the polls as the “stolen elections” while their rivals claim otherwise.

One million target possible

Meanwhile, Haris acknowledged that street rallies could turn violent due to the presence of agent provocateurs and if the police responded with high-handed actions.

However, he said this should not deter the people.

“This cannot be discounted, but this should not serve as a deterrent for the rakyat who feel cheated [with regard to this election],” he added.

Asked on his confidence in amassing the targeted one million for the planned protest, Haris conceded that it was a tall order.

“I have always held the position that 100 committed people are better than 10,000 wishy-washy ones.

“But during my trips to urban, semi-rural and rural areas throughout the country, I have seen an awakening in the people… there is a sense of ‘ini kali lah’,” he said.

Given this overwhelming mood for change, the ABU leader added that the one million figure was possible.

During a forum last night, Haris and several others vowed to oust the government through street protest since it was pointless to wait for another five years.

“If we really want to overthrow them, there is no other way. Democracy does not work. The people cannot wait anymore. We don’t want to wait another five years. We will take to the streets,” he said.

Whereas Bersih 2.0 steering committee member Hishamuddin Rais claimed that it was useless to take the grouses to court as the justice system was controlled by the government.

“That is why we must take to the streets,” he told the same forum.