A reformasi reunion at Bukit Cahaya Sri Alam was stopped short on Saturday evening by park management who refused entry to some 10 individuals who were expected to join the small crowd of about 100 who were already let into the park earlier.

Earlier on at 2pm, a number of uniformed police and six police vehicles were already parked on the single lane road leading up to the lake area where the 'reformists' were planning to eat and hold discussions. However, the gathering was only scheduled to begin at 3pm.

At 4pm, a Federal Reserve Unit truck was brought in to join the existing police presence on site.

According to the organisers, proper arrangement had been made with the management of the agricultural park earlier, and no complications arose in allowing the initial 100-plus individuals from entering its grounds.

Reunion, family day

"These event was organised as a reunion and family day for reformasi activists," said the event's coordinator Jasmine Ng.

"For the police to show up in large numbers and treat our event as something that threatens national security is uncalled for," she said, adding that police turnout amounted to around 30 uniformed personnel.

"Really, the police should find better things to do with their time."

In response to park management decision to bar the entry of newcomers, the organisers decided to pack up their burger stand, vacate the park grounds and refuse to pay the groups' entrance fee.

"Earlier park management had called to say that we were organising a political event. Despite us saying that it wasn't, they announced that they would seek confirmation from the police," said Ng.

"I suppose that is their prerogative to consult the police but it is not right. Our event was held on private grounds," she added.

The activists later adjourned to a car park nearby where they 'quietly' resume and end what they came for.

photographs courtesy of Free Anwar Campaign website