IGP: We’ll use water cannons, tear gas to prevent trouble at rally

IGP: We’ll use water cannons, tear gas to prevent trouble at rally

Khalid Abu Bakar accuses rally organisers of not providing enough information to police to make preparations for road closures.

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KUALA LUMPUR:
Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar did not rule out the possibility of using water cannons and tear gas to break up unruly behaviour and skirmishes during the Bersih 5 rally this Saturday.

“We are definitely prepared for this weekend and any action by the police will be according to the law. Don’t get angry with us if we take action,” Khalid warned potential troublemakers.

He was speaking to reporters after launching the 7th Aseanapol Police Training Cooperation Meeting (APTCM) in Cheras today.

Khalid’s comments come in the wake of Red Shirts movement leader Jamal Yunos being punched during a skirmish with Bersih 2.0 supporters and the police in Ampang on Sunday.

Prior to Jamal being left with a bloodied nose, Bersih 2.0 supporters were also assaulted and harassed by Red Shirt supporters during a convoy organised by the electoral reform group.

When asked about road closures in the city this Saturday, Khalid said police could not disclose such information at the moment as they have not received “sufficient” notice from the organisers, thus making it difficult for them to prepare for the rally.

“That is the problem when they don’t give out enough notices, so I cannot tell you now which road, will be closed because the yellow group said they want to gather near the Dataran Merdeka, but where is that exactly? Red also wants to follow, but where is that exactly?.”

Bersih 2.0’s official colour is yellow.

The group are holding the rally to call for institutional reforms as well as for Prime Minister Najib Razak’s resignation.

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