Government leaves it to cops to maintain law and order and stop the July 9 rally

(The Star) – The Government will leave it to the police to consider measures including imposing the Emergency Ordinance to ensure public order is not jeopardised by the planned July 9 illegal rally, the Prime Minister said.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said maintaining law and order was the responsibility of the police so it would be up to them to decide on the action to take.

“That is up to the police to consider according to the situation. It is their responsibility,” he said when asked on allegations that the Government might impose emergency laws to stop the opposition-initiated Bersih 2.0 rally.

Najib also dismissed claims that Malaysia was moving away from democratic practices for not allowing street demonstrations.

He said the country’s election process was respected widely for being free and fair, which was proven when the Opposition gained ground in the 2008 general election.

Speaking to reporters after launching Pesta Gasing dan Tamu 2011 here yesterday, Najib stressed that the Government was doing its duty to the people by providing a safe, secure and stable country.

“Rallies have a tendency to bring about a mob psychology, it can turn people of good behaviour into mobs.

“That is why we cannot take it lightly,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, Najib said Umno could also mobilise its three million members and rope in members from Barisan Nasional component parties and its allies to “flood Kuala Lumpur”.

“But this is not what we want for Malaysia. This is not the responsible way of dealing with issues.”

He also announced a RM30mil allocation to build a district police headquarters for Sipitang and another RM2.7mil for the Esplanade here.

In WASHINGTON, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Government’s action against those supporting and plotting the rally had not raised international eyebrows.

He said the issue had not been brought up at an official level during his meetings here.

“There was a question during my meeting with the think-tank groups yesterday and we have explained but it was not at the official level.

“Maybe they (US administration) have been following developments very closely (and are aware of the circumstances).

“As far as my visit here is concerned, the matter did not arise,” he said at the end of his three-day official trip to the United States.

On reports that Malaysian students in Australia were planning to join Bersih rallies there, Muhyiddin said it was for the Australian government to decide what to do.

“It is beyond our control as it is within Australia’s jurisdiction. Our students should focus on their studies.”