Two groups - one for the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the other against it - are set for a collision course, as both will be holding mass processions towards the Palace next Saturday.

anti isa gathering pc 220609 03 Initially, the Aug 1 rally ( see map below ) was organised by the Abolish the ISA Movement, better known by its Malay acronym GMI, which aims to gather 100,000 supporters to push for their demands.

GMI, a coalition of NGOs and opposition parties, plans to rally in Kuala Lumpur before marching to the palace to hand over a memorandum to the King.

The memorandum will call on the King to push for the abolishment of the controversial law and release of all ISA detainees.

Gathering at National mosque

But a counter-rally is being planned by Majlis Permuafakatan Ummah (Pewaris), a Malay interest advocate, who will be leading a march of their own involving a coalition of 10 similar groups.

This groups includes Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa), Coalition of Young Malay Graduates (GGMM) and traditional Malay martial arts, or silat , groups.

NONE Pewaris deputy president Rahimuddin Mohd Harun told Malaysiakini that his group and Perkasa will be gathering at the National Mosque at 11am before a rendezvous with other groups in Dataran Merdeka at about 1pm.

GGMM is expected to lead its supporters from Padang Merbok, besides Bank Negara, in a march towards Dataran Merdeka at about the same time.

'It's not a show of force'

Malaysian Silat Lincah Practitioners Association leader, Mahaguru Omar Din, confirmed that they would be taking part in the Pewaris-led march.

Omar said the ISA was the "key" to maintaining peace in the country and silat practitioners were not engaging in an show of force.

nik aziz "We just want to show our support for the ISA. We will avoid any contact (with GMI). We are all Malays," said Omar.

Meanwhile, GMI is expected to begin their rally at 2pm. Thus far, three rally points have been identified - Masjid Jamek, KL Sentral and Sogo shopping centre.

GMI announced on Thursday that PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat ( left ), PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim will be taking part in the rally.

NONE