IGP: Meeting cancelled as a safety precaution

Dong Jong protest at Kajang

GEORGE TOWN: The court order served to Dong Jiao Zong to cancel a gathering to discuss the implementation of a Jawi calligraphy module in vernacular schools was done as a safety precaution, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador.

The IGP said it was also in view of a high number of police reports received.

“The decision by us to seek the court permission to halt the meeting was for safety reason.

“Based on the number of police reports received, we felt that it was better that the event was delayed. Or, organise it in a form that does not raise the emotions of others, ” Abdul Hamid said in response to comments that the seeking of the court order was “undemocratic”.

He agreed that people should be allowed to speak out in line with democratic principles but this had to be done within safe parameters.

“If there are elements of provocation, then the police are the most credible party to evaluate it, ” he said.

“There is no hidden agenda to seek the failure of the programme. I do not play politics, ” he said.

The educationist group said they were served a court order on Friday to cancel the gathering which was supposed to take place at the New Era University College yesterday.

It also requested all invitees not to show up at the venue.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said that the gathering would further divide the country.

Earlier, Abdul Hamid flagged off 5,500 participants of the 2019 PDRM Solidarity 2nd Bridge Fun Ride and Run programme near Queensbay Mall on Friday evening.