Veteran activists Otai Reformasi today announced plans to hold a “blue bicycle rally” at the end of next month in conjunction with World Peace Day.

Cyclists attending the ‘Cycle4peace and Harmony’ attend are urged to don blue for the day because “blue is the colour of peace”, the group’s spokesperson Shaiful Ariffin said at a press conference today.

However, Shaiful stressed that this is not a counter-rally to the Sept 16 red shirt rally to “defend Malay dignity”.

“We urge all, be it Malays, Chinese or Indian, to join this programme. We want to send a message of peace and to reject racism,” he said.

Shaiful (photo) said he targets five million participants for the event, which date is yet to be set.

“If red shirt rally spokesperson) Jamal (Md Yunos) can say that the red shirt rally will attract a million people, we can say this programme will attract five,” he quipped.

The event will be held at Kuala Lumpur but may pass the Sungai Buloh prison, to show solidarity with jailed PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Otai Reformasi was earlier rebuked by Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar for trying to do police work when they said they will provide security services during the red shirt rally.

The group was also blamed for allegedly sparking a scuffle at the entrance at Petaling Street, when police barred protestors from entering the traditionally Chinese trading area.

“The only proof given to media is a flyer, which they claim was distributed by us,” Otai Reformasi member Mustapa Mansor said, denying the claim.

A total 487 Otai Reformasi and other NGOs signed up to provide security on Sept 16, but were scarcely seen on the day.

Police deployed the Federal Reserve Unit for the rally, and fired water cannons when protestors started throwing objects to anti-riot personnel.

Two police officers and several protestors were injured, while two protestors were arrested. Police say those arrested tested positive for drugs.

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