Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar is of the opinion that red-shirts leader Jamal Md Yunos’ declaration of war against electoral reform group Bersih was merely a "war of words".

“For merely declaring war, to me, (it is) just a war of words,” he told a press conference at the Royal Malaysia Police College in Kuala Lumpur today.

Anyone, he said, was free to lodge a report against Jamal if he or she perceived the war declaration as a threat.

“It’s how you accept it (the declaration). Just respond back to the declaration with words,” he added.

Following his release yesterday, Jamal had vowed to mobilise manpower from across the nation for the "assault" against Bersih.

Meanwhile, asked why Jamal was released early from his two-day remand, Khalid said there was no reason to extend the remand as police had completed their investigations.

“The team managed to complete the investigation yesterday. If there is no need, we do not have any reason to apply for the remand to be extended,” he said.

When asked whether action will be taken against the Umno leader over the gathering outside the Dang Wangi district police headquarters yesterday, Khalid said Jamal had only expressed his feelings.

“There was no disturbance and it was only for a very short period of time while he was walking out (after his release).

“Police would have to take action against a lot of people then - those who gather outside police stations, in front of the Bukit Aman police headquarters - as if we don’t have anything else to do,” he added.

Asked whether police will invoke Section 18 of the Peaceful Assembly Act to ensure that the planned counter-rally by the red-shirts does not clash with the Nov 19 Bersih 5 rally, Khalid reiterated that both quarters have to apply for a permit.

“If they don't comply with the PAA, action will be taken against both (quarters) or whoever.

“We won't spare anyone. So don't ask me (whether) we are going to take action against red or blue or white, it's going to be all, including yellow."

Both the red-shirts and Bersih supporters had clashed several times during the ongoing Bersih convoy to drum up support for their upcoming rallies in several locations across the country.

Earlier today, Khalid presented 45 graduates with the executive diploma in investigative science. The programme is in its 14th year of collaboration with Universiti Malaya.

NGO: Ensure safe rallies

Meanwhile Society for the Promotion of Human Rights (Proham) reminded the red shirts the right to peaceful assembly does not give one the right to violence.

"The recent violent threats, obstructive actions and intimations by certain individuals and groups associated to the red shirts are counterproductive methods.

"In democratic societies, all groups are free to express in peaceful ways their views and convictions.

"This does not give individuals and groups the license to carry out violent threats, obstructions and intimidating behavior," said Proham chairperson Kuthubul Zaman and secretary-general Denison Jayasooria in a statement.

The duo said there is increasing "intolerance" to alternative political views and national interest issues, "especially those pertaining to the electoral system and corrupt practices which are viewed as human rights violations by those holding public office".

Providing a safe environment to exercise democratic rights is the responsibility of the Home Ministry and the police, they said.

Therefore the government should "take proactive steps to ensure Maria Chin, her family and Bersih supporters are protected for exercising their freedoms".