'2.5 million will attend': Umno info chief's rally forecast

In a sarcastic swipe, Umno information chief Annuar Musa said he expects 2.5 million people to turn up for Saturday's anti-kleptocracy rally, which is slated to be held at Padang Timur in Petaling Jaya.

He said if PAS' recent Fastaqim in Terengganu could draw a crowd of about 200,000 - which is the figure claimed by the Islamist party - then Harapan, which comprises four parties, would have no problems in drawing a far bigger number.

Training his guns on Amanah's president, Annuar said Mohamad Sabu, who is better known as Mat Sabu, would bring about 500,000 people.

“This is just Mat Sabu, not including the other leaders in Harapan. Because of this, I am confident the rally will be attended by millions of members and supporters of Harapan.

“So I advise residents in the area to plan their travels for that day because we expect a massive gridlock due to the rally,” he was quoted as saying by Umno Online.

Last week, the organiser had conceded that public response has been lukewarm towards the rally, which is supposed to have a carnival-like atmosphere with stalls and music.

Previously, the expected turnout was placed at 100,000.

The police have warned of action if the organiser insisted on holding the rally at Padang Timur despite being told to shift it to the Kelana Jaya Stadium.

‘No kleptocracy law in Malaysia’

Meanwhile, Annuar said people, particularly Harapan supporters and members, must first understand the real meaning of “kleptocracy”.

While the term is generally used to describe a government that steals from state resources meant for the people, Annuar said “kleptocracy” referred to an American law which does not exist in Malaysia.

“We do not have the kleptocracy law in our country. That law is only enforced in the US.

“Kleptocracy is a form of law used in America and involved the state's institutions whereby the sources (of funds) is from suspected illegal origins, for example, 'money laundering',” he added.

Under the kleptocracy law, Annuar said civil charges can be pressed against individuals who upon conviction could find their assets frozen.

“So what is the point of gathering if the law is non-existent in Malaysia?

“But if the opposition wants to propose that the law in the US is enforced here (in Malaysia), they can table a private bill in Parliament and I would support it, because if there is such a law, we can freeze assets linked to corruption like that bungalow in Penang with no swimming pool,” he said.

This was an obvious jibe at Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who courted controversy for allegedly purchasing a bungalow below market value.- Mkini