Taskforce formed to probe organisations out to topple Government

A TASKFORCE has been formed to probe several organisations suspected to be influenced by the “colour revolution” to topple the Government.

Umno vice-president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said intelligence reports have shown that several organisations such as Bersih, Suaram, the Bar Council, online portals Malaysiakini and Sarawak Report have been found to be influenced by the idea.

“I would like to announce that a taskforce has been set up, comprising the police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Attorney-General Chambers to look for all information, leaving no stone unturned.

“Action has been taken. Don’t blame the Government if action is taken against those who commit wrongdoing,” he said in his speech at the closing of the Umno general assembly.

Colour revolution is a term widely used to refer to non-violent resistance through methods such as demonstrations and strikes against governments.

The colour revolutions are notable for the important role of non-governmental organisations in organising non-violent resistance.

Dr Ahmad Zahid cited examples of non-violent revolutions which were founded by Gene Sharp, through the Albert Einstein Institute in 1983.

Lighter moment: Some of delegates reacting to a speech during the assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre.

He said the Albert Einstein Institute received funds from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), International Republic Institute (IRI), George Soros Foundation and Open Society Funds.

“Gene Sharp introduced 198 non-violent revolution methods which were subsequently led by Popovic in Serbia,” he said.

Popovic, said Dr Ahmad Zahid, then led colour revolutions which were made famous through the Centre for Applied Non Violent Actions Strategies (Canvas).

He added that the colour revolutions spread to Middle East countries such as Libya, Syria, and Tunisia.

“Intelligence reports showed that organisations such as Bersih, that have launched five demonstrations, is funded by (billionaire George) Soros through the National Democracy Institute and Open Society Foundation,” he said adding that those who launched the yellow revolution have failed.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who also acknowledged the counter-rally organised by the Red Shirts group on Nov 19, stressed that they did not represent Umno.

“They may have worn red but red is our party’s colour. They are just an NGO,” he added.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Home Minister also praised the police, adding that they were “colour blind,” acted professionally and were just when they arrested people from both sides.

He also pledged his loyalty to party president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the presidential institution and reminded some people that their efforts to cause problems between him and his fellow vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Onn were futile.

“We are brothers. There were three of us (referring to former Umno vice president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal), but now it is just the two of us.

“Don’t lagakan (create rift) between the two brothers. Enough.

“We support the president. We only have one leader, and he is the president and Prime Minister,” he said.