Ahmad Zahid urges authorities to take stern action against mastermind behind Bersih 4 rally

(Bernama) – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the authorities must take stern action against the mastermind behind the organising of the Bersih 4 rally.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said the authorities should also monitor the leaders behind the rally.

“We also follow every word they say, We know the actions taken by them,” he told a media confrence after officiating the Ipoh Timur Umno division meeting in Perak Umno Building here today.

He was asked to comment on action that could be taken against those involved.

Ahmad Zahid said among the legal action that could be taken against them are the Peaceful Assembly Act, the Sedition Act, the Penal Code and Police Act.  

Ahmad Zahid also reminded the parties concerned not to blame the authorities if action was taken against them.

“I agree with Tan Sri IGP (Khalid Abu Bakar), dare to do, dare to take responsibility.

Don’t accuse the authorities, especially the government of being despotic because in reality they are cruel to themselves,” he said.  He also reminded certain quarters not to make slanderous statements that certain public figures would join the rally.

“Don’t claim that a public figure will come even though he is actually overseas,” he said.

Commenting on the presence of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the rally, Ahmad Zahid said the matter should not have become any issue as the former prime minister was only at the venue for merely six minutes.

Ahmad Zahid said the parties involved must be aware that the rally was illegal under the Peaceful Assembly Act and the regulation took effect from the date of notification in the government gazette.

Earlier in his speech, he said the Malays should not allow themselves to be used by the DAP for political purposes.

“We are constantly being challenged because they (DAP) consider us weak, so they try to pit us against one another,” he said.

He also reminded Umno members to continue giving their support and assistance to component parties even though they did not contest in the areas concerned. 

He said as the backbone of the Barisan Nasional government, Umno would always safeguard the religious right of other races although the party fought for the Malays and Islam.