Police warn of stern action against 'anti-Zakir, khat' protesters
Police have warned the public not to participate in the planned rallies in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, this evening and tomorrow afternoon.
"In the strongest possible terms, I am asking the public not to gather. We have not given permission for these gatherings. The issue has been resolved, so what is the need to assemble?” said Kuala Lumpur police chief Mazlan Lazim...
Police have warned the public not to participate in the planned rallies in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, this evening and tomorrow afternoon.
"In the strongest possible terms, I am asking the public not to gather. We have not given permission for these gatherings. The issue has been resolved, so what is the need to assemble?” said Kuala Lumpur police chief Mazlan Lazim.
"This time, we will take stern action. Wait and see.
"We are recording statements from those involved, we will arrest if they continue to remain stubborn,” he told a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters this evening.
The rallies are to protest against Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik and the introduction of Jawi khat (calligraphy) in vernacular schools.
Mazlan said police would also set up roadblocks and create diversions to ensure that the gatherings do not take place.
“We will set up roadblocks in three areas – Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Jalan Rakyat and the road leading from Federal Highway to Little India. We will conduct thorough checks.
“We appeal to the residents in this area to be patient because this is for safety reasons,” he added.
The police chief also dismissed the claim that the organisers have obtained permits to hold the rallies.
“There are those who claim there is a permit for the rallies. This is rubbish. Incorrect.
“So I wish to tell the people not to be duped (by such claims) and to refrain from assembling because it can threaten security,” he added.
In a Facebook post earlier today, Shankar Ganesh, who is the organiser of the anti-Zakir protest, said the gathering would proceed "with or without papers (approval from the police)."
"The decision is made. If I back off now, then we will have to remain silent forever. If I back off, our rights for our kids and future will be silent forever," he added.
