The TangkapMO1 rally organisers today denied allegations that they have been made a tool of the opposition or other parties with vested interests.

TangkapMO1 spokesperson Anis Syafiqah Md Yusof said such allegations were not only baseless but also an attempt to undermine students' power.

"The formation of TangkapMO1 coalition, leading up to organisation of the rally last Saturday, is 100 percent the initiative of students without pressure from any political parties or other groups.

"We as students sparked this movement which has been welcomed with support from various groups, including political parties and NGOS," said Anis Syafiqah who read out the group's statement during a press conference at a restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.

"Of course, we also welcomed the support of all parties that share our same goal," she added.

Among others, Umno Sungai Besar division chief Jamal Yunos yesterday said his red shirt movement supporters did not have the heart to face off with the students on Saturday, claiming that they have been treated as fools by governance reform group Bersih 2.0.

He further claimed that the 'real organisers' were merely using the students as fronts to avoid clashing with his supporters.

Another faction of the red shirts, Gerakan Merah, had similarly called off its counter-rally against TangkapM01.

Movement leader Mohd Ali Baharom, better known as Ali Tinju, at the time said his group respected the police's instructions to not hold a protest.

He also described the students as being mere children who are just learning to demonstrate.