SHAH ALAM: The Coalition Against Inflation (Protes) rally today is illegal, even though the organisers had shift-ed the venue from Padang Timur to the Kelana Jaya Stadium.

This is because the organisers have not secured a permit to hold the event.

Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar said yesterday that a permit was needed for any gathering.

"This is not just a gathering. This is a political gathering as those who are going to deliver speeches are politicians," he said.

Khalid advised those planning to participate in the rally to observe the law, especially the Sedition Act and traffic regulations.
"Vehicles must be parked at designated areas so that there are no obstructions to traffic, which could endanger residents."

He said police would take action and were prepared to face any possibilities as it was their responsibility to ensure public safety.

On Thursday, Khalid suggested that the venue be shifted to either the Shah Alam Stadium or Malawati Stadium to avoid traffic chaos.

Khalid said even though the organisers had heeded his advice, the rally was illegal as it did not have a permit.

However, Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim refuted police claims that the rally was illegal.

"We do not need a permit because we are doing it in a stadium, in an enclosed space.

"If not, then every time you want to play football, you must request for a permit."

However, he agreed with the state police chief that for public interest, there should not be a street procession as this could pose a danger.

"We will get our officers to inform the Petaling Jaya police chief of the situation."

Meanwhile, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek asked Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to use a "more civilised platform" to deliver his views on the fuel price hike issue.

Bernama reports that Shabery, in Venezuela for the Seventh Conference of Ministers of Information of Non-Aligned Countries, said the issue should be debated instead of being brought out to the streets.

He said Anwar should make use of his willingness to debate the issue on July 15 so that the people could make their own assessment.

"It is an opportunity for him to state his views.

"I have points backing the government. Let's meet face to face. Let the people judge.

Shabery said Anwar's promise to reduce oil prices should Pakatan Rakyat form the government was an "empty promise" to gain support.

It would probably force the country to submit to foreign powers by having to take up loans, he said.

"Do we want to put the country in the shackles of the International Monetary Fund, which Anwar wanted to do when he was finance minister?

"I hope the people are not hoodwinked by Anwar's agenda."

In Kota Baru, Cuepacs president Omar Osman urged government employees to stay away from today's inflation rally.

"We have been through this before.

"Show-cause letters were issued to government servants who participated in illegal assemblies and they came to us for help."