‘Red shirt’ rally leader Datuk Jamal Md Yunos plans to hold another protest in Petaling Street tomorrow but a deputy minister has urged the Sungai Besar Umno chief to rethink the move. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, September 25, 2015.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed has urged “red shirt” rally leader Datuk Jamal Md Yunos to stop his plans to hold another protest in Petaling Street, saying the gathering would be counter-productive, The Star reported.
His message to Jamal, the Sungai Besar Umno chief, comes after the latter had threatened to hold another rally in Chinatown tomorrow. Earlier, police had said they would arrest Jamal if he did not back down.
“The group had their say on September 16. Going further with another rally might actually be counter-productive to his previous efforts,” Nur Jazlan reportedly said.
He added that while Malaysians were free to express themselves, they must not cross racial sensitivities.
“That is why the police are taking action.
“Even as a Malay, putting aside my position as a deputy minister and Umno member, I think he should stop.”
The Star also reported that more than half of the traders in Petaling Street were afraid of what might happen tomorrow and have sought advice from Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association chairman Datuk Ang Say Tee if they should close shop.
He reportedly said about 400 of the 773 traders were fearful there would be chaos tomorrow.
“Members have been calling and asking if they should close on Saturday. They fear that their businesses will be disrupted.
“I have advised them to lodge police reports. We are afraid because we are doing business,” said Ang.
The “red shirt” rally on September 16 turned chaotic when a group of protesters attempted to breach the barricade at Petaling Street, forcing police to use water cannon to control the situation.
Chinatown had earlier been declared out of bounds by the authorities and many businesses had closed that day out of fear of any untoward incidents.
Jamal had said the rally goers were upset over the “immunity” Petaling Street traders enjoyed, with no action taken against them for operating illegal businesses.
He also accused them of selling counterfeit products and pornographic videos.
He had also suggested that Malay traders be allowed to operate in Petaling Street instead of the area being monopolised by the Chinese.
- TMI
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