Kuala Lumpur police chief Mohmad Salleh said the police are ready for any eventuality in relation to a scheduled protest on Saturday, in connection with the National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN).

He said the organisers have yet to inform the authorities or to apply for a permit in the matter.

“Yes, we know it is happening at Dataran Merdeka on April 14. We have not been informed formally about it and there no application has been made. However, we are always prepared for any eventuality,” he said.

Mohmad declined to comment on the planned sit-in at Dataran Merdeka on April 28, to push for electoral reform.

“I will not be making any comment on Bersih 3.0. I will only comment when the time comes. Now is not the time to comment on it,” he told reporters today after a monthly police gathering.

bersih pc on jom 100 170112 ambiga Yesterday, inspector-general of police Ismail Omar had similarly refused to divulge details of police preparations for the protest.

It is learnt that the police may only comment on the issue a week before the proposed rally.

It is also learnt that Bersih 3.0 organisers had held a meeting last night, chaired by co-chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan ( right ).

Today, Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has given his nod to Bersih 3.0 to proceed on April 28 but advised them to follow provisions under the Peaceful Assembly Bill and not to cause any disruptions.

Police on hunt for escapee

On an unrelated development, police are on the lookout for an extremely dangerous criminal, Mohd Rezuan Abdul Rahman, 32, or better known as Man Kuchai, who escaped from the Jalan Duta lock-up last week.

Mohmad said this is the second time Mohd Rezuan had escaped as he had done so in 2004 after he was detained under Section 39 B of the Dangerous Drug Act for drug trafficking.

He said the accused had escaped at about 8am on April 6, after he was brought to the courthouse from the Sungai Buloh prison.

“Detainees who were with him in the police truck saw him trying to free himself from the handcuffs. We are still finding out what had happened leading to his escape and would not hesitate to take action on any policemen who were complacent, leading to the escape.

“Mohd Rezuan is an extremely dangerous criminal as he had been seen using a pistol and had robbed victims in Cheras, Salak Selatan, Brickfields and Petaling area. He had also impersonated a police officer and robbed convenience stores,” he said.