Organisers of a rally in Malacca issued a stern warning today that downtown Taman Melaka Raya will not be safe on Oct 10, the day of their rally.

Organiser and Malay army veterans association president Mohd Ali Baharom said this comes after "Chinese gangsters" assaulted an immigration officer on Oct 1.

The rally is called to protest the attack.

“Melaka Raya will not be safe on that day. This is my warning,” Mohd Ali, who is better known as Ali Tinju, said.

He explained that this does not mean the rally will cause a commotion but rather, precautions should be taken.

“When I say ‘unsafe’, I don’t mean there will be a commotion but that there could be untoward incidents ( kemalangan ). It doesn’t mean we are going to war.

“We are asking for better monitoring in the Taman Melaka Raya area,” Ali Tinju said.

Taman Melaka Raya is a stone's throw from tourist areas like the A Famosa fort.

Police arrested five people following the assault on an immigration officer during a raid on an entertainment outlet in Melaka Raya on Oct 1.

Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar (photo) reportedly said 19 immigration officers were surrounded by more than 40 'gangsters' during the operation.

Ali said this Saturday's rally, dubbed 'Gerakan Merah' is estimated to attract about 10,000 people, who will call for justice for the immigration officers.

"Gerakan Merah doesn't need a permit because we're not out to cause trouble. We're just there to take in the sights.

"We want to pressure the authorities to take action against the Chinese gangsters. I am not anti-Chinese, but I'm anti-Chinese gangsters.

"I want them to be prosecuted and severely punished. We don't want stubbon Chinese gangsters," he said.

Related reports

DAP MP: I didn't say 'Celaka punya Melayu'

Tajuddin 'slaps' MCA with his belligerence

We'll teach 'manusia babi' Loke a lesson, warns Jamal

Anti-Azizah demo binned, now Jamal gets dengue 'fever'