Cops to quiz rally organisers, permits denied

The home minister says Bersih, Perkasa and Umno Youth seem set on wanting to hold their respective rallies even without police permits.

KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein today said that the Bukit Aman federal police headquarters will contact Perkasa, Umno Youth and Bersih 2.0 regarding their July 9 rallies.

Speaking to reporters in Parliament, he said the police will act because the groups seem set on holding their rallies despite permits not being issued.

“They will be called today, but we do not know if they will come today,” he said.

“We will also speak with Bersih and ask them what is their actual purpose – justice in the context of democracy, or whether they will link it to other issues with political, racial or religious overtones,” he added.

The minister stressed that his priority was the safety of the people and the safeguarding of peace.
“All three will not be granted permits to gather on that date. I am saying categorically that all three of them will not get it,” he said.

The July 9 Bersih rally is aimed at pushing for free and fair elections.

Perkasa, however, has organised an anti-Bersih march, to be participated by 36 different NGOs, to take place on the same date. Umno Youth too is planning for a rally in the same day, to show support to the Election Commission.

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin appeared unfazed by Hishammuddin’s warning.
“He can warn us all he wants. We have a right to assemble as guaranteed by the constitution,” he said, adding that if summoned, he would go to Bukit Aman.