The 'People's Gathering' in front of the Amcorp Mall field in Petaling Jaya on Saturday will go ahead despite the police arresting several leaders of opposition political parties and non-governmental organisations today.

NONE Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) founder Badrul Hisham Shaharin said the event, dubbed the 'People's Gathering 505', will be held even if he was arrested.

"At present there are attempts by the police to arrest me but they have failed, so far.

"SAMM is one of the main organisers of the event and it will be held, even if I am arrested.

"SAMM condemns the action by the uncivilised authorities in arresting Batu MP Tian Chua, activist-lawyer Haris Ibrahim - who is also Anything But Umno (ABU) chairperson - and former Batu Berendam MP Tamrin Ghafar.

'Fiasco started with Adam Adli's arrest'

"This fiasco started with the arrest of Adam Adli Abdul Halim last weekend and we expect it to continue," said Badrul, who is better known as the blogger Chegubard.

He said the current situation appeared as if the country had not achieved independence, for any dissenting voice is thrown into the lock-up, while all the existing draconian laws that should have been repealed have not been done so.

"This shows the failure of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's so called transformation, where even his government does not share the support of the majority," Chegubard said.

He added that the agenda and demands of the 'People's Gathering' have not changed and he urged the people to come out and wear black on that day.

NONE On another note, Haris has posted in his blog to express his thanks to all of his supporters, friends, and relatives who had turned up at the Jinjang police station this afternoon in a strong show of support.

He also reminded his supporters to attend this Saturday's rally in huge numbers so that it will be a success.

Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi ( right ) has voiced opposition to the rally, calling it an attempt to overthrow the government. However, Chegubard has since rejected Zahid's claim.

Petaling Jaya district police chief Arjunaidi Mohamed said the police have not received any application for Saturday's gathering.

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