PAS wants all members at anti-ISA rally

PAS has made it compulsory for all of its members to participate in an anti-Internal Security Act (ISA) rally organised by GMI (Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA) or the “Abolish the ISA Movement,” in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.

GMI plans to have 100,000 people march to the Istana Negara to hand over a memorandum urging the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve the Act.

PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub claimed that the party's spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and president Abdul Hadi Awang have given the nod for the rally who, according to him, had also decreed that the rally would not be haram or forbidden by Islam.

"Whether the gathering is deemed haram (by others) is immaterial because our top leadership has already given their blessing," Salahuddin told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Salahuddin was responding to an article published in Berita Harian today which featured several religious authorities condemning the proposed gathering as being un-Islamic.

"I urge PAS members not to be influenced by fatwas (edicts) issued by other parties."

Some 50,000 PAS members are expected to take part in the gathering at several locations in the city, including Masjid Jamek, Kompleks Sogo and Masjid Negara.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Awang, DAP’s Lim Kit Siang and opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim are expected to lead the protest.

Another group of protestors, the pro-ISA group known as Majlis Permuafakatan Ummah (Pewaris), will also be staging a rally to show support for the security law tomorrow.

The pro-ISA rally organisers say they will gather at Padang Merbok and the Central Market before heading towards Dataran Merdeka.

Despite stern police warning to call off the gatherings, both groups remain adamant.

GMI and Majlis Permuafakatan Ummah (Pewaris) have separately said that they would go ahead with their gatherings.

Police have not granted permits for any of these gatherings. Yesterday Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein had also warned that stern action would be taken against either group if they disturbed the peace.


Police, in the meantime, have set up roadblocks ahead of gatherings planned by the two groups.

Roadblocks have been set up along Jalan Tun Razak, Taman Connought, Jalan Loke Yew, Jalan Travers and several other entry points into the city by police here.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said his men would screen motorists.

All those planning to attend the illegal gatherings must be prepared to face stern action from us, regardless if they are for or against the use of the ISA.

"We will not compromise as far as security is concerned,’’ he said.

“We apologise if this inconveniences members of the public who are against such illegal gatherings,” he added

Picture; courtesy of the Star : Police road block along Jalan Cheras near Taman Midah.