PETALING JAYA, May 20- Intimidation and fear will not deter people from attending our rallies, said PKR strategy director Rafizi Ramli (photo).
He was responding to Home Minister Ahmad Zahidi’s warning that the authorities would take action against those who attend illegal assemblies.
“The only person who is afraid is Zahid, who changed his tune after getting arrested in the 90s,” said Rafizi.
The Star today reported Zahid as saying that there will be no more warnings against those who took part in illegal assemblies.
“Time for warnings is over… stern action will be taken,” said the Bagan Datoh MP.
Last Friday, Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad was charged under Section 9 of the Peaceful Assemby Act for failing to give the police sufficient notice before holding the Kelana Jaya rally on May 8.
Student leader Adam Ali was also detained under the Penal Code on Saturday for allegedly acting in a manner detrimental to parliamentary democracy.
Rafizi, who is also Pandan MP, urged Zahid not to meddle into police affairs, saying that rally organisers and the police have cordial ties in handling the assemblies.
Rally to proceed in Kedah
He also said that so far Pakatan Rakyat leaders had adhered to police instructions, even to the extend of changing the venue for a rally at the last minute.
“So we don’t need a silly home minister to meddle in police work. It’s best Zahid look into the allegation that same MyKads were given to multiple people to cast votes,” said Rafizi.
The PKR leader added that it would be a waste of public resources to target opposition leaders and the hundreds of thousands who attend the rallies.
On related matter, Rafizi said that Pakatan leaders would continue with their rally in Kedah despite menteri besar, Mukhriz Mahathir rejecting permission to hold the assembly at the Suka Menanti Stadium in Alor Setar.
“We can still hold the gathering elsewhere and people will still come.
“I’m sure Kedah PAS commisioner Mahfuz Omar can get a place. Even if he holds the rally in front of Mahfuz’s house, people will still come,” said Rafizi.
Hurling brickbats at Mukhriz, Rafizi said that the newly minted menteri besar was still stuck in the old mindset.
“This is a new Malaysia. People are no longer intimidated by threats.
“As for us, our priority is to maintain the professional relationship we have with the police,” he said.
