Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said the government will not compromise on security or those who threaten other races, including the red shirt protesters.
“Which is why authorities had to disperse those who tried to trespass into a restricted area (Petaling Street), even though they had to use a water cannon.
“Police are also investigating those who stirred racial sentiments, and those guilty will be charged under the Sedition Act,” he said in a blog posting today.
Najib was referring to the standoff in Petaling Street on Wednesday, where red clad protesters insisted on marching through the tourist attraction known as Chinatown despite being blocked by police.
Two police officers sustained minor injuries during the protests, while two protesters were arrested.
Kuala Lumpur CID chief Zainuddin Ahmad said the two protesters, aged 24 and 30, tested positive for drugs.
Protest marred by racist elements
Fifty thousand people attended the red shirt rally, which was held to protest alleged anti-Malay sentiments by Chinese protesters during the ‘illegal’ Bersih 4 demonstration.
The protest was marred by racist elements, including racist insults hurled at journalists.
A spokesperson for the red shirt, Jamal Md Yunos, however said there is nothing wrong with saying 'Cina babi' (Chinese pig) as Chinese like to eat pork.
Meanwhile, to questions on why the red shirt rally was permitted to be held, Najib said it was because they were not anti-government.
“I was informed by police that permission was given because one: (the red shirt) did not intend to topple the government, two, there was no parade preparation where they demonstrated, and three, they had received permission from Kuala Lumpur City Hall,” he said.
In contrast, the premier said Bersih 4 was declared illegal because it attempted to topple the government, and was held near the Merdeka Day parade rehearsals.
Nonetheless he said the 34-hour rally was allowed to be held.
He also noted that the government introduced the Peaceful Assembly Act because he felt it is important for the people to be able to voice out legally. - M'kini
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