‘Anti-Bersih’ group cancels August 29 protest
Hours after insisting of going ahead with a counter rally against Bersih 4 gathering, the coalition of non-governmental organisations, dubbed "Anti-Bersih", has decided to call off their march. This comes after police recorded a statement from its leader, Datuk Jamal Md Yunos, at the Dang Wangi police headquarters this afternoon. Just hours earlier, Jamal, who is also an Umno Sungai Besar division chief, told reporters the group insisted that their planned march would proceed despite warning from authorities. "After having our statements taken and hearing KL police chief Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa and Dang Wangi police chief ACP Zainol Samah's explanation on the preparations for the rally, we agree the call it off and give our full trust to the police," he said. Jamal was called up by the police over the group's intention to hold the rally against Bersih 4 and the 'martial arts' demonstration that was held in front of the Sogo shopping complex on Tuesday. Police are probing the group under the Peaceful Assembly Act after Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar warned that action would be taken against any party which incited or promoted violence, including the "red shirts". In defending his group's action, where members were seen breaking tiles and wood with their heads and body on Tuesday, Jamal said his remarks and the members' action were misunderstood. "Just now, I was questioned about that and an investigation paper was opened because of it. "If they (the police) say I am wrong, then I will not run away from it... but what I told them is that I did not mean it that way. "It has been misinterpreted. What was being displayed was just a regular exercise in self-defence training.” In an earlier press conference, Jamal had said that they expected some 30,000 people to join them this weekend, coinciding with the Bersih 4 rally. He said the planned rally was to pressure Bersih 4 organisers to cancel the rally which he described as "bringing no good to the country and people". In Kuantan, Bernama reported that Khalid issued another warning to the organisers of Bersih 4.0 rally. He said police would not hesitate to take act against the participants and organisers as the rally has been declared illegal. "Our country has laws, if they (organisers) are firm about violating the laws (by organising illegal rally), what else can we do? "Whatever happens tomorrow, don't get angry with the police because we have advised, we have negotiated and we have given them the alternatives. So, they better be prepared to face the consequences," he told reporters. – August 27, 2015.
