Mat Sabu: We expect trouble-free rally

(The Star) – Organisers of the gathering at Merdeka Stadium on Saturday are expecting a trouble-free rally.

Organising chairman PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu said that there would be no marching to Merdeka Stadium and participants were expected to make their own way and gather at the venue from 2pm to 5pm.

He told reporters after meeting Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar to discuss the Saturday gathering yesterday.

Mohamad, however, said that the organisers had yet to receive official notification from the stadium management on whether they would be allowed to use the venue for the gathering or otherwise.

He said that they would wait until 1pm today for the green light to use the stadium, failing which, they would make an alternative plan.

“We will make the final decision tomorrow and announce it by 4pm,” he said.

Meanwhile, city police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohmad Salleh said police were finalising their preparations for the gathering.

“We will inform road users on the traffic situation and road closures as soon as a plan has been formulated,” he said.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said that the Opposition pact must ensure that the assembly they propose to hold on Saturday does not develop into a riot.

“They should apply to Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil, if they wish to organise the assembly there and ensure that the capacity stipulated was complied with,” he said.

He said everyone must ensure that the assembly did not turn into a riot as had happened during the “Bersih” gathering last year.