Federal Territories Minister Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal today said that RM20 million damages claimed by various quarters as a result of loss of business and income arising from the anti-ISA rally last Saturday have been accounted for.

Documents detailing the losses were delivered to the minister earlier this morning in Kuala Lumpur. About 20 traders' organisations made up the deputation, including taxi drivers' organisations.

NONE Speaking to reporters after attending an evening event in Kampung Kerinchi, Raja Nong Chik confirmed that the grand total of losses reported by the affected parties amounted to RM20 million.

He said that the loss in income were from damages to trade goods as well as "loss of future income".

He pointed out that the effects from the anti-ISA rally extended to the Friday before and Sunday after the rally, when customers shy away from Kuala Lumpur.

Furthermore, he added that the bad press coverage in the international media like Al-Jazeera and CNN also created a negative image for Kuala Lumpur.

He claimed that this may have caused a reduction in the number of foreign tourists - especially from the Middle East.

He further said that the bad press may also cause foreign investors to shy away.

Damages by police minor

When asked about what actions were available to the traders, Raja Nong Chik replied that they can firstly lodge a police report and then follow up with legal action against those responsible.

NONE However the federal territories minister made it quite clear that "the government will not pay for the damages".

According to him, after all, the government was not responsible for the events leading to the rally.

"If the government were to assume responsibility, what about future demonstrations?" he asked.

He said the government "would not be able to afford it".

When asked about the damages that may have been caused by police action during the rally, he said that "the damages from police action, even if it exists, were very minor".