KL police chief under fire for banning protests

By FMT Staff

SHAH ALAM: Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad has slammed Kuala Lumpur police chief Muhammad Sabtu Osman for his warning to Malaysians planning to join a massive anti-Israel demonstration at US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur today.

Muhammad Sabtu had issued a warning banning Malaysians from taking part in several protests in Kuala Lumpur after Friday prayers today, saying the protests were illegal.

Khalid said the demonstrations were aimed at allowing the public to vent their disgust on Israel for attacking a convoy of vessels carrying humanitarian aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip on Monday.

The Turkish ship, Mavi Marmara, was part of the flotilla ferrying 10,000 tonnes of medicines, food supplies and construction materials to the displaced Palestinians in Gaza when it was raided by Israeli commandos. Nine volunteers were killed and 30 injured in the attack.

Malaysians across the country have risen in protest against Israel.

“I am disappointed at the attitude and statement of the Kuala Lumpur police chief barring the public from joining the demonstrations against the cruel Israelis.

This (attack) is not accepted by citizens the world over irrespective of whether they are Muslims or not.

“The whole world is holding demonstrations to express their objections, but here in Malaysia, an Islamic state, there are still people who will not allow us to state our stand,” he said.

He said the police can monitor the gathering if they like but should not ban it.

“We are holding this demonstration not to cause trouble. We only want to show the US, which is an Israeli ally, that it must act immediately... ” he said when met after a 5,000-strong religious congregation turned up at Stadium Melawati last night in a show of anger against the high-handed Israeli action.

BN protest

Meanwhile, the organisers of the Anti-Israel 2010 Demonstration have hit out at Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin for going back on his word and organising a separate protest at the National Mosque.

Herman Samsudeen of the Anti-Israel 2010 Demonstration said all non-governmental organisations, including Perkasa and representatives of the Freedom Flotilla, would be participating in today’s peace walk to the US Embassy on a common platform.

The walk is to begin after Friday prayers at Masjid Jamek in Kampung Baru.

“We are all angry with Israel and united on the Palestinian cause.

“This is not a party or political matter. I don’t know why Khairy is organising a separate protest at the National Mosque when he had agreed on Monday to join this common gathering of NGOs.

“Is he afraid to demonstrate in front of the US Embassy? Is the protest led by him related to the government’s policy on Apco (Worldwide)?

‘Or is he just embarrassed that his voice as BN Youth chief will be drowned by others? He should not worry. We will give him space to speak like everyone else,” said Herman, adding that he is inviting Khairy to show some solidarity together with the majority of the public.

“Don’t limit yourself to the mosque. Our message to America must be loud and clear,” said Herman.