Ibrahim Ali hauled up for alleged sedition

(Malaysiakini) Police today questioned Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali for allegedly making a seditious statement in connection with the July 9 Bersih 2.0 rally on free and fair elections.

Ibrahim is being investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code over his speech in Kampung Baru on June 19, when he warned Chinese Malaysians to "stock up on food" because "anything could happen" during the rally.

On June 22, the PKR Youth wing had lodged a police report at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters over Ibrahim's remarks, which were seen as a threat.

Its deputy information chief Rozan Azen Mat Rasip said Ibrahim had committed sedition with an element of violence against the Chinese Malaysian community in a speech at an event in Kuala Lumpur on June 19.

Ibrahim later said his remarks were merely 'advice', and not a threat.

'Malay vs Malay' clash

Ibrahim, who came out of the Dang Wangi police station about 2pm after being questioned for nearly two hours, remained adamant that he is on the right side in opposing the rally.

He insisted that it is necessary to stop the Bersih 2.0 rally, which he accused of manipulating the Malays to serve the agenda of those supporting it.

He said the rally has managed to build momentum because of the Malay members from PKR and PAS throwing their weight behind Bersih 2.0 chief S Ambiga.

"The Bersih 2.0 rally will be a failure without Malay support. I don't know how many Indians will join, but I believe there won't be many and the Chinese won't bother (joining).

"The support (for Bersih 2.0) comes from the Malays from PKR and PAS... if there are other races, they will make up only a small number.

"This will become a clash of Malay against Malay," he told journalists outside the police station.

Promising to stop the Bersih 2.0 rally, which is to call for electoral reforms, he had earlier warned that chaos would ensue should Bersih 2.0 continue with their march to hand over a petition to Istana Negara.