Pursue Jamal even if rally cancelled, Bersih tells police
The police must pursue red shirts ring leader, Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Md Yunos, even if he cancels his threat to organise an intimidating rally at Petaling Street tomorrow, says the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih).
Reiterating its support for the right to peaceful assembly, Bersih said any rally intending to overawe or compel others by criminal force or to commit mischief is not peaceful, and not protected by the Federal Constitution.
"Instead, such rallies are 'unlawful' under Section 141 of the Penal Code and face a maximum punishment of six-month imprisonment and fine under Section 143," it said.
Bersih in a statement welcomed the media reports that police will investigate Jamal under Section 143 of the Penal Code.
"However, investigation and prosecution must proceed even if he cancels the rally to force authorities' action on alleged sales of counterfeit products and an end to alleged monoethnic monopoly of businesses."
Jamal had made criminal intimidation in the running up of the red shirt rally on Sept 16 that non-Muslims may be targeted and personally led a crowd of red shirts trying to storm into Petaling Street, added Bersih.
The electoral reform movement urged the police to demonstrate their professionalism and impartiality by bringing Jamal to face the music.
"If Jamal gets away after making such criminal threats, the police will be effectively sending an invitation to more groups to imitate the red shirts and undermining our ailing economy by chasing away tourists and investors," Bersih said.
However, Jamal has disowned his role in the protest.
"I want to reiterate that I am not involved in the planned rally.
"I was merely voicing out my worry and anger on a possible riot if the protest were to take place," Jamal said in a statement today.
Related reports
DAP slams cops’ ‘kids gloves’ with red shirts threat
Stop threats to hold Petaling Street rally, red shirts told
Next time, try dropping red balloons instead
When a leader can threaten riot and still walk free
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