In a press statement, the group condemned the “outrageous and bullying tactics of Jamal Md Yunos (head of Sungai Besar Umno division) and his Red Shirts gangsters and now Black Shirts, too”
Motorcyclists in Red Shirts tore Bersih materials and tried to damage car windows, the group said.
“Jamal himself was filmed verbally abusing a Bersih supporter,” the statement said. When Bersih members tried to resume their convoy, “the Red Shirts revved their motorbikes and deliberately blocked our security bikers from carrying out their duties of ensuring the convoy’s safety”.
The Red Shirts also made their presence felt in Labuan by blocking the Bersih convoy there, knocking on the cars, and harassing our participants.
In Tanjung Malim, a group of Black Shirts disrupted the convoy and blocked the road while trying to prevent the Perak team from meeting the Selangor team to hand over a torch.
“Despite the disturbances, the torch was handed over successfully although the Black Shirts continued to yell at our group,” Bersih said. “Never once did we raise a hand against the Red Shirts. We are not at war, we are advocating for free and fair elections and good governance – peacefully.”
Bersih accused the police of taking no action and letting off the protestors while Bersih activists faced numerous police investigations.
The road convoys are to raise public support for the forthcoming Bersih 5 street demonstration in Kuala Lumpur to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Razak and for political reforms.