Ahmad Zahid: Action to be taken against protesters who defy the law

IPOH: Action will be taken against Bersih 4 participants who defy the law, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pix).

The Deputy Prime Minister said that although there had not been any arrests or scuffles so far, it did not mean that the police were not observing the situation and taking notes.

“The police are monitoring the people behind it. They are listening to every word that’s being uttered.

“We know what is happening.

“This is not a warning or promise, action will be taken,” Ahmad Zahid said after opening of the Ipoh Timur Umno division meeting here on Sunday.

“I agree with the words of our Inspector-General of Police when he said, ‘berani buat berani tanggung’ (if you’re brave enough to do it then be brave enough to face the consequences),” he said.

Dr Ahmad Zahid also hit out at claims that Bersih 4 had the support of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

That, he said, was untrue as Dr Mahathir was only at the rally for six minutes.

Earlier in his speech, division chief Datuk Azian Osman had call on Dr Ahmad Zahid to exercise his authority as Home Minister and arrest participants of the rally.

“Arrest them. It is an illegal assembly. Catch each and everyone of them,” Azian had said, adding that Umno too could mobilise people if it wanted to.

“I’m confident we can get 200,000 to the ground. We will get Pak Lah (Tun Ahmad Badawi),” he said in clear reference to Dr Mahathir’s appearance at the rally in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday night.

“It will be blue and red versus yellow,” added Azian.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, who was also present, agreed that Umno was capable of mobilising its members but had chosen not to do so.

“Certain parties are inciting hatred and creating anger among the people but Umno will never do that,” he said.

For full coverage of Bersih go to http://www.thestar.com.my/bersih4/