Khairy slams violence by Red Shirt supporters

We can't accept this, whoever's involved, we must criticise violent acts, says Umno Youth leader.

PETALING JAYA: Umno Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin is reported to have criticised supporters of the pro-Umno Red Shirt movement for violence against activitsts of the Bersih electoral reform group.

Khairy was quoted as saying that he had viewed a video clip showing a group of Red Shirts attacking a Bersih activist by kicking him and using physical force.

“We can’t accept this. Whoever’s involved, we must criticise violent acts,” Khairy said, according to media reports.

“We must accept the expression of various stands in a democracy. However, not to the point of violence that can threaten the safety of the individuals involved,” he added.

Khairy was reported to have urged the police to take action.

The Bersih group is touring the country with road convoys at major towns to publicise the Bersih 5 street rally planned for November 19 in Kuala Lumpur.

Red Shirt supporters were reported to have tried to disrupt the convoy at several towns.