KUALA TERENGGANU: Pas President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang today reiterated the party’s stand that it would not support street demonstrations, out of concern that rallies could turn ugly between rival factions.
Hadi, who is Rhu Rendang assemblyman and Marang member of parliament, said that in such situation, a small spark was enough to ignite a clash that could potentially boil over into a much bigger issue.
“Besides, there is inadequate security control over the large, overwhelming crowd. It can, thus, get out of hand and turn ugly,” he said in reference to Saturday’s Bersih 5 and Red Shirts rallies in Kuala Lumpur.
Although Hadi agreed that the Federal Constituition allowed for peaceful assemblies, he said the people should not abuse the privilege by provoking violence and disrupting public order.
This, will only burden the people and undermine the peace and stability of the country," he said when asked at the Terengganu state assembly sitting at Wisma Darul Iman.
To another question, Hadi said Pas would initiate action against party members who took part in the Saturday's rallies if there were complaints filed against them.
Hadi, who had just been discharged from the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital after being warded for about a week for exhaustion, had previously urged Pas members and supporters not to partake in any street demonstrations that could lead to a brawl with the authorities or rival factions.
He reportedly said that Pas members should not allow themselves to be used by certain quarters for their interests.
Hadi said all the political woes faced by the country should be resolved according to the principles and tenets of Islam.