Two gatherings planned on Monday

(Bernama) – A gathering called “Himpun Keadilan Untuk Saiful” is being planned at the courts complex here on Monday, the same day supporters of Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim are planning to stage a demonstration in conjunction with the delivery of the court’s verdict in his sodomy case.

The “Himpun Keadilan Untuk Saiful” gathering is to be organised by an organisation called Pertubuhan Permufakatan Majlis Ayahanda Malaysia (Permas) in support of Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, a former aide of Anwar whom the opposition leader is alleged to have sodomised.  

Permas secretary-general Zulkifly Shariff said about 5,000 Permas members would participate in the gathering which he added is also aimed at defending the country’s judicial system from being tarnished by Anwar’s supporters.  

“They know that street demonstration is not our culture and if they continue to hold the rally, they will have to face Permas and the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM),” he told reporters here today.

Zulkifly said Permas would apply for a police permit to hold the gathering which would involve the participation of 15 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under Permas.

They include Putra Malaysia, Pertubuhan Panel Ayahanda Penasihat Insan Malaysia (Papim), Persatuan Kebangsaan Warisan Ketuanan Melayu Malaysia (Pewaris) and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Melayu Klang, he added.     

PPIM adviser Tunku Azwil Tunku Abdul Razak said the proposed gathering by Anwar’s supporters would only create social conflict which would impact the plural society and in particular the Malays.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Ex-Policemen’s Association (PBPM) president Shafie Bakri said he regarded the “save Anwar” rally as an attempt to instigate the people to go against the law.

It could create chaos that can threaten peace and harmony in the country, he told reporters.  

In KELANTAN, the Pasir Mas Umno division and five NGOs in the Pasir Mas district today lodged a police report against the proposed “901 Save Anwar” rally planned by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).   

Pasir Mas Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Rosdi Mahmad said the rally could be regarded as a challenge to the rule of law.  

In PENANG, Penang Malay Congress president Rahmad Isahak said the proposed rally would not only create disorder in the country but also affect its image.  

“If the rally is held, it can paralyse the country’s economy as most business premises will have to close on that day,” he told a news conference in George Town.