Tunku Aziz: Stop Anwar’s rallies

Former DAP vice-chairman says it is time the authorities put a stop to Anwar's ‘invitation to anarchy’.

KUALA LUMPUR: Former DAP vice-chairman Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim today urged the government to put a stop to opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s nationwide rallies.

“Given his special talent for mischief-making, the rallies pose a serious threat to national security and public order. It is time the authorities put a stop to his invitation to anarchy.

“I strongly urge the government to apply the full force of law to stop the rot from setting in. His selfish act bordering on the criminal, has gone far enough.

“The government owes it to the people to protect them from the unwarranted assault on their rights to go about their business peacefully,” said Tunku Aziz.

He stressed that any further delay by the government to act will be interpreted as a sign of weakness.

“The government cannot afford to be perceived as indecisive so early in its re-election particularly over a matter such as incitement to overthrow a legitimate government by violent means,” he said.

When asked why he thought the government has been hesitant to take action, he said that it may be due to the “lies spread by Anwar, believed by those who don’t really know the truth.”

“The government fears it may be accused of being repressive. It must act within the law so that people will have confidence in the the authorities to protect those who are not with Anwar,” he said.

‘Anwar must grow up’

When reminded of Pakatan’s opposition to street rallies to topple the BN government, as propagated by some pro-Pakatan NGOs, Tunku Aziz said: “Although Anwar said his rallies have been peaceful, in reality, rarely do these kind of rallies have a peaceful ending.”

“We are used to his lies. Whatever he says has to be taken with a pinch of salt,” he added.

He also stressed that Anwar is prepared to go to any length to disrupt the country’s peace and harmony and also claimed that the idea of a “Malaysian Spring” is shared by many Pakatan leaders.

“All of their activities point to a conspiracy to overthrow the government by illegal means, and what Anwar is doing is clearly intended to achieve that aim.

“He must grow up and take his party’s electoral reverses with dignity, instead of casting aspersions on the integrity of the EC and making wild and unsubstantiated allegations of impropriety,” he said.

He added that Anwar must keep to his promise that if Pakatan were to lose in the general election, he would retire from politics and become a teacher.

“The time to get on your rickety political bike and ride into the sunset is now, and leave us alone to get on with our lives,” said Tunku Abdul Aziz.

Anwar has been spearheading a series of rallies nationwide to protest against the alleged electoral fraud which he claimed were employed by the BN to “steal” the elections. He has since then called the Najib-led government as an illegitimate government.

He is also urging the Election Commission to declare Pakatan as the rightful winner of the 13^th GE. In the elections, BN formed the government after winning 133 seats compared to Pakatan’s 89. However Pakatan won the popularity rating by having more votes cast for its candidates.