Govt Probes Opposition Leaders’ Involvement In ISA Rally

(Bernama) — The government is investigating the involvement of opposition leaders in the 'Abolish the ISA Movement's illegal rally in Kuala Lumpur Saturday.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the investigation to determine whether opposition leaders masterminded the rally was ongoing.

Speaking to reporters after opening the Masjid Tanah Umno meeting here Sunday, Hishammuddin who is also Umno vice-president, said the investigation was a normal procedure and legal action awaited those who violated the laws.

He was commenting on a statement by Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Wira Mohammad Sabtu Osman yesterday, that the opposition's top leaders had addressed the demonstrators at the Pas headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur.

Among those being investigated were Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and DAP Advisor Lim Kit Siang.

Hishammuddin said the pro-ISA demonstrators, Majlis Pemuafakatan Ummah (Pewaris), were not excluded from police investigation.

About 20,000 demonstrators participated in the rally yesterday, calling for the abolishment of the Internal Security Act (ISA) yesterday. The police detained 589 people to facilitate investigations.

Hishammuddin said the modus operandi of the group protesting the implementation of the ISA was similar to the one protesting the Teaching of Science and Mathematics in English policy.

Also present at the opening of the meeting was Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop, who is also Masjid Tanah Umno chief.