Bogus notice 'a bid to disrupt Najib's visit to Malacca'

A notice purportedly issued by the mayor of Malacca city instructing local hawkers to close their business for two days due to the official visit of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak this Friday, has been widely circulated on the Internet.

However, Malacca exco member Gan Tian Loo denied any such instruction had been issued, suspecting it was an attempt to sabotage Najib’s visit to the historical city.

The notice, issued on a Malacca City Council letterhead, stated that Najib will begin his official visit on Friday, and Jalan Kee Ann will be closed from 7am on Thursday until 8pm on Friday to make way for a people’s feast.

“In connection with the event, all hawkers who carry out their business along Jalan Kee Ann are requested to temporary cease their business on Feb 23 and 24 to make way for the preparation work at the venue to be done without any disruption,” read the notice.

However, Gan denied that the notice was issued by the city council.

“We have verified with the council this morning and found no such instruction has been issued,” he told Malaysiakini when contacted yesterday.

“The Malacca City Council is not that stupid to issue such an instruction asking hawkers to stop their business, which is illogical,” said the MCA Duyong assemblyperson, adding that the notice could be fabricated because the mayor was not aware of it.

“I suspect this is an attempt to sabotage (the visit).”