The police said today they will allow supporters of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim to hold a gathering elsewhere on Monday but not in front of the Jalan Duta courts complex so as to maintain public order.

Inspector-general of police Ismail Omar said the organiser of the gathering has to meet with Kuala Lumpur police chief Mohmad Salleh to discuss a suitable venue for the rally.

"We can allow the gathering but not at the courts. They can gather at a venue where they will not disrupt public order and smooth flow of traffic.

"Although the Peaceful Assembly Act 2011 has yet to be gazetted, we are prepared to allow the organiser to go ahead with the gathering, on condition that they call off the proposed gathering in front of the courts complex in the public interest," he told a special news conference at the Bukit Aman police headquarters.

Ismail said that should they ignore the advice to cancel the gathering, the police are prepared to control the situation and take the appropriate action to prevent chaos and pressure on the court.  

The proposed demonstration is timed to coincide with the delivery of the court verdict in the sodomy case of PKR advisor Anwar Ibrahim.

Ismail warned that if the demonstration goes beyond control and threatens public order, the police will utilise elements of crowd dispersal such as the Federal Reserve Unit, water cannons and tear gas.

"I urge the people to stay away from the gathering in front of the courts complex as their presence is feared will only disrupt public order and national security and threaten the safety of other people," he said.

He advised the people to exercise maturity and respect regardless of the verdict the court delivers, saying that any action against a court decision is an offence under the Sedition Act.

"As such, the police have to control the situation so that the supporters of either side do not become overly emotional because gatherings have a tendency to end in chaos owing to uncontrolled emotions," he said.

Ismail said the police are observing the masterminds of the gathering and were also monitoring the latest situation through the media and cyber sites.

He also said that the organiser should not use the slogan 'free Anwar' because it is tantamount to ignoring the court and showing disrespect to the judicial system as the verdict has yet to be delivered.

Last year, supporters of opposition parties went ahead and staged an illegal demonstration in Kuala Lumpur although the police allowed them to use a stadium outside the federal capital.

Up to today, the police have received 535 reports from various quarters throughout the country opposing the gathering planned for Monday.

Meanwhile, PKR said in a statement that its deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali will lead a delegation for a discussion with

Mohmad tomorrow.

It welcomed the meeting, scheduled for 10am at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters.

Ismail had instructed Mohmad to hold the meeting with the organiser of the proposed demonstration.

- Bernama

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