by Gary Adit. Posted on July 1, 2011, Friday
RALLY WARNING: Mohmad (third left) fielding a question from the media. With him are (from left) state Special Branch chief Datuk Alladin Kassim, deputy commissioner Datuk Law Hong Soon and state CID chief SAC Huzir Mohamed.
KUCHING: The police have identified a few individuals and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) planning to organise or participate in the unlawful Bersih 2.0 rallies in the state on July 9.
Sarawak Commissioner of Police Datuk Mohmad Salleh said police were closely monitoring the activities of these individuals and NGOs on a daily basis, warning that stern action would be taken if they were found to have violated the law.
“We have already identified a few of them. Although we have not received any specific information, we have received reports of their plans to organise rallies at several locations in the state.
“We will not hesitate to take action against them on the day itself for unlawful assembly under Section 27(5) of the Police Act 1967, which carries a fine of not less than RM2,000 and not exceeding RM10,000 or jail term of not more than one year,” said Mohmad during a press conference at state police headquarters here yesterday.
However, he said that no elected representatives in the state so far had been called for their statements to be recorded over the matter, although the situation might change in “two or three” days’ time.
“The situation is currently under control as the response (to the Bersih 2.0 rally) here is not so great compared to that in Peninsular Malaysia. Even so, we are prepared for any possibility, come July 9.”
According to Mohmad, 19 police reports had so far been lodged across the state by individuals representing their own organisations against the planned rally.
In addition, he disclosed that monitoring activities at border towns such as Tebedu had been intensified to thwart attempts to bring in Bersih-related paraphernalia.
Pamphlets, T-shirts printed across border “This comes after police intelligence indicated materials such as banners, stickers, pamphlets and T-shirts were being printed across the border to avoid detection by law enforcers here.”
Regarding those found wearing yellow ‘Bersih’ T-shirts, or in possession of any material promoting or supporting the rally in Kuala Lumpur, the commissioner said that they would take action similar to what had been done by their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia, which was to confiscate the items and detain the individual(s) for investigation.
“My advice to the general public is not to take part or try to organise any illegal rally which can escalate disorder and disrupt peace in the state.”
Earlier, the police commissioner held a meeting with senior police officers, including all district police chiefs in the state, to discuss the issue and also measures to be taken against those found to be involved in the rally.
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