Malaysian authorities to block pro-reform protest

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Malaysian authorities to block pro-reform protest

2011-07-08 22:11:34 GMT+7 (ICT)

KUALA LUMPUR (BNO NEWS) -- Malaysian police on Friday announced that they are taking tight security measures ahead of a planned protest for electoral reform in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian National News Agency Bernama reported.

"Road blocks have to be set up at certain places to prevent troublemakers from entering the city," Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said in a news conference. "We have information that the troublemakers plan to stage demonstrations and march at several locations in this city."

He added that there is an order prohibiting 91 suspected key leaders of groups intending to stage rallies from being in Kuala Lumpur. The order also covers the supporters of the key leaders.

Activists, however, remain defiant and are planning to hold the demonstration at the city's Merdeka Stadium.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the police are prepared to issue a permit to hold a rally on Saturday if it is held outside the capital. He reiterated that the police have banned assemblies by any groups in the capital.

"Since July 3, the police have been preparing for any eventualities and will take stern action against those who are still adamant about having it in Kuala Lumpur," he said.

Asked whether the armed forces will be involved in maintaining public order, he said the police was still in complete control of the situation.

"However, it will depend on the circumstances," he added.

According to Malaysia Kini news, the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) is still inviting people to join the rally to demand for free and fair elections. They said the authorities have put "obstacle after obstacle" to frustrate any form of cooperation.

"Having faced half-hearted offers of stadiums, arrogance regarding meetings as well as denial of permits, arrests, detentions and so much more," the organizers said in a statement. "We feel that we have done all that is humanly possible to demonstrate sincerity and good faith in dealing with the government - but we have only been met with reversed decisions and stone walls."

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-07-08

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