Don't wear black tomorrow, warns IGP
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 May 2009: Political party supporters were today reminded not to create tension by dressing in black and illegally gathering in protest of the Perak state assembly sitting tomorrow.
The police warning came following the call by Bersih or the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections for the public to wear black as part of its 1BLACKMalaysia campaign in protest against the "ongoing Perak coup" by the Barisan Nasional (BN) government.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said party supporters should ignore the demand or appeal by the NGO to foil the assembly proceedings, or risk arrest by police.
"Police will not hesitate to take action, including arresting those who illegally assemble or prevent the state assemblypersons from entering the (Perak state secretariat) building to thwart the assembly sitting.
"We will ensure that no one can create trouble by foiling anything that has been decided by the law. We also assure safety for all the assembly[persons]," he told reporters after launching the National Job Skills Standards, here, today.
Musa also advised the public to be vigilant of the actions of certain individuals who had been going around inciting the people through the internet and SMSes to create trouble and hate the government.
He said police were serious about curbing such actions by irresponsible elements as it could cause uneasiness among the people and threaten racial unity.
Yesterday, a Bersih activist who is also an NGO spokesperson, was arrested by police for alleged sedition by issuing a statement urging the people to wear black and assemble in conjunction with the Perak state assembly sitting.
The activist, Wong Chin Huat was arrested at 8pm at his house in Taman Sri Sentosa, Kuala Lumpur. It is understood that the Media Studies lecturer at a local university was ordered to be detained until 8 May by the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate's Court.
"Our duty is to ensure peace, so we don't want people to create trouble which can disrupt peace," said Musa.
"The activist's action shows that he had deliberately incited the people to illegally gather and thwart the assembly sitting."
On another matter, Musa said the proposal to ban motorcycles from entering the city centre during certain hours was aimed at reducing crime.
He said police and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail had discussed the proposal in light of rising crime, especially snatch theft and robbery cases, in crowded places and tourist spots.
"We will announce the decision soon," he said. — Bernama
Comments are now closed for this article as per our policy
jonathan Posted: 6 May 09 : 9.29PM
Tomorrow I shall wear black as it's a great beautiful colour, even my website will be black. Is it an offence? See "Black is Beautiful but Banned in Silver State!"
Avinesh Kumar Posted: 6 May 09 : 9.53PM
Oh wow! We now have a police force which doubles as fashion police as well!
Nina S Posted: 6 May 09 : 11.09PM
I don't get it. Do they *want* to look bad? Really, they shouldn't be trying so hard.
jamesloh18 Posted: 6 May 09 : 11.59PM
Black is cool, black is fashion, black hides dirt ... what about we exchange with your uniform?
elaine Posted: 7 May 09 : 12.10AM
I wear black, black, black, why not?
Jonathan Ong Posted: 7 May 09 : 12.28AM
"Police will not hesitate to take action, including arresting those who illegally assemble or prevent the state assemblypersons from entering the (Perak state secretariat) building to thwart the assembly sitting."
Wonder where they were when they singlehandedly prevented PR assemblypersons from going into the dewan?
Eric Posted: 7 May 09 : 12.52AM
"Don't wear black tomorrow, warns IGP"
Who is talking about fairy tales, now? Why are civil servants acting like card-carrying party members?
Billy Posted: 7 May 09 : 6.54AM
What if I were to attend a funeral? Are the police going to arrest me as well? What if black is my favourite colour, are the police going to control what I can wear and what I can't wear? This whole thing is getting more and more absurd. Such shallow mentality!
siew eng Posted: 7 May 09 : 10.01AM
Yeah, they're multi-talented and willing to go beyond the call of duty.
By the way, mat rempit, snatch thieves and all the other criminals who are hurting and killing people, now's your chance to bermaharajalela. All cops are occupied with arresting peaceful dissenters in Ipoh and Perak.
