The police have given permission to the opposition to hold a gathering in Selangor this Saturday, organised by Keadilan, to mark the festive celebrations among major races in the country.

In an official letter to Asmadi Md Salleh, Keadilan chief in Kuala Langat, where the gathering is scheduled to be held, the opposition political party has been advised to abide to three conditions - that there be proper traffic control, the event ends by 7pm and no political speeches be made.

"We accept their conditions. All we want to do is have a multi-racial celebration with like-minded individuals," organising chairman Saari Sungib told malaysiakini today. The event, called the "100,000 People's Gathering", is the second such event for Barisan Alternatif supporters.

The first gathering in Jalan Kebun, Shah Alam was aborted when police blocked all exit points to the venue, causing a massive jam along the Kesas Highway, which witnessed the police firing tear gas and chemically-laced water into the crowd, followed by the arrest of 125 people.

Reports on police brutality lodged officially with the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) resulted in an inquiry into the matter, with 29 witnesses having given evidence so far.

Thanks to police

Saari said that the forthcoming event is a joint Hari Raya, Christmas, Chinese New Year and Ponggal celebration with kompang , gong, lion dance and an Indian musical presentation.

BA leaders will be giving Hari Raya speeches but not political speeches, Saari stressed. However, he added that when like minded politically conscious people got together, it would be "difficult to ignore politics".

Meanwhile, Asmadi in a press statement to malaysiakini said that with the issuance of the permit, the police are beginning to understand the aspirations of the rakyat .

"This is in line with their slogan 'Mesra , Cepat dan Betul' (friendly, fast and right) and we are happy that they are starting it at Kuala Langat," said Asmadi, thanking the police for their cooperation.

The event will be held at a supporter's private land, Kampung Medan, Telok Panglima Garang, Kuala Langat, 4km of the Klang-Banting highway from 2.30pm.