KUALA LUMPUR - The red-shirted group opposing the Bersih 4 rally this Saturday has called off their march, hours after vowing to go ahead with their protest.
The decision was made after Datuk Jamal Yunos, head of the anti-Bersih group that sees itself as “peace-loving”, met Kuala Lumpur police chief Tajuddin Mohd Isa and Dang Wangi police chief Zainol Abu Samah this evening.
Jamal, who is also Sungai Besar Umno chief, said that the group decided to call off their plans to hold the ‘Bersih 4 Keamanan’ (Bersih 4 Peace) this week after a briefing by the police on their preparations, should Bersih 4 be held.
“We had our statements taken by the police and discussed with the Kuala Lumpur CPO and the Dang Wangi OCPD.
“We also heard a briefing by the police on their preparations should Bersih 4 be held.
“As such, we have made a decision to cancel our plans to hold the ‘Bersih 4 Keamanan’ (Bersih 4 Peace) this weekend because we fully trust the police,” Malaysiakini quoted him saying.
Earlier today, at a press conference in Dataran Merdeka, Jamal said he was adamant for his red shirts to march against the yellow shirts this weekend.
Datuk Jamal Yunos (centre)
“We will continue with our rally. (But) we will cancel our plans at any time if the illegal Bersih agrees to police instructions to gather at a stadium,” he had said.
Jamal said the group had already prepared some 10,000 red T-shirts for its supporters this weekend.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said yesterday that the police will act without fear or favour against anyone who incites violence, regardless of whether they are the red-shirted group or Bersih, The Star Online reported.
“We will take action against anyone who provokes other parties and this includes the red shirts,” he was quoted saying.
“The police are committed to maintaining law and order. Our priority is the safety and security of the people. Any act of provocation or violence will not be tolerated,” he said, also adding that Malaysians should not join the allegedly illegal Bersih 4 rally.
The overnight Bersih 4 rally that will be held at the city centre, Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Kuching in Sarawak, and other cities around the world, aims to press for institutional reforms and for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s resignation over his handling of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad controversy.
The five demands of the Bersih 4 rally are clean elections; clean government; right to dissent; strengthening parliamentary democracy and saving the economy. - Malay mail
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