Shamsul Anuar says it would be most unfortunate if people come with their families and children to celebrate Merdeka at Dataran Merdeka (pic) but are disturbed by the Bersih 4.0 rally participants instead.
KUALA LUMPUR: UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah urged the government to cancel the Merdeka Day concert to avoid any untoward incidents if the Bersih 4.0 rally is happening at the same time.
He said, although this wouldn't be fair to some parties, the suggestion should be seriously considered for the sake of public safety.
"The government, through the Communication and Multimedia Ministry, should reconsider the Merdeka Day events, especially the entertainment concert.
"The rally by Bersih is intended to incite public anger towards the government, I worry that many government events will be disrupted.
"It would be most unfortunate if people come with their families and children to celebrate Merdeka but are disturbed by the rally participants instead," he said in a statement to Astro AWANI today.
The Lenggong MP also hoped the government would no longer give the rally organisers any leeway for discussion as the gathering clearly goes against the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012.
"The time to compromise has passed and the government must prioritise the rakyat's interest rather than tend to the whims of some who abuse the meaning of freedom.
"If the organisers are truly fighting for their right and freedom, then they should consider the rights of others to celebrate Merdeka Day without interference, and the rights of traders to conduct their businesses freely in the city," said Shamsul Anuar.
He said based on past experiences, the rally would not be a peaceful one, despite whatever promises the organisers have made.
"With the current economic and political standings, Bersih would only tarnish the country's image even more," he said.
He added that the action by Bersih did not coincide with this year's "Sehati Sejiwa" Merdeka theme at all.
Before this, Bersih's steering committee had said they would continue with the planned rally end of this month around Dataran Merdeka, despite their permit application being rejected by KL City Hall.
City Hall had proposed for the rally to be held the weekend after the National Day and at a different location, but it was rejected by Bersih chairman Maria Chin Abdullah.
The police had previously warned that those who are adamant in joining the illegal rally should be prepared to face the music.
- Source: Astro Awani
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