Wanita Umno leader Sharizat Abdul Jalil appealed to students not to get carried away with movements like rallies that may contravene the law and focus on their studies instead.

“For me, whatever you want to do in this country, we should adhere to the laws.

“We have a responsible government, so we should follow laws... like the Peaceful Assembly (Act),” said the former minister during a press conference at Dewan Felda in Kuala Lumpur today.

She was responding to questions on the planned TangkapMO1 rally which is being led by student activists, hoping to pressure authorities to take action against the unnamed ‘Malaysian Official 1' mentioned in a United States Department of Justice asset forfeiture filing.

“But I as a mother I would like to advice the youth, and especially students.

“My advice is that you must have priorities in life. Priorities in life, like becoming the best students, as we give the best education, be the best student,” she said.

Sharizat said that students would make better use of their time studying, adding that when they have finished their studies and have graduated, then they can choose to be a leader.

“Just choose where you want to be a leader at. I think that is the best, that is my advice.”

She warned students not to squander their time and get dragged into such activties.

“One more thing, we shouldn’t get carried away with movements like that, don’t get carried away,” she said.

Sharizat also added that she believe organisers are intentionally trying to taint the the national celebration by planning the rally so close to Merdeka Day.

The student led TangkapMO1 rally is planned for Aug 28 at the Dataran Merdeka and surrounding environs. Police have declined the confirm the receipt of the organisers notice as provided under the PAA, citing the need to obtain permission from the venue's owners.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) which oversees the Dataran Merdeka have said that it cannot allow the rally to take place at the location and offered the nearby Padang Merbok instead.

Organisers have vowed to go ahead with their plan regardless.