PUTRAJAYA: Please help the security forces maintain peace and order.
This is the message from Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to people taking part in tomorrow’s anti-ICERD (International Convention for the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination) rally.
Dr Mahathir urged organisers to help police and other security forces keep the peace and not stir up trouble.
“Also do not damage public property. If possible, do not litter and keep the (rally) venue clean,” said Dr Mahathir in a Youtube message.
“The government has no intention to prevent or make it difficult for rally organisers as it will be against the government’s policy in upholding the principles of democracy.”
However, Dr Mahathir said the rally was not necessary because Cabinet had decided not to ratify ICERD on Nov 23.
“I don’t see the need to do so (to have the rally), but several quarters have said it was show their relief (that ICERD is not ratified),” he added.
It was reported that more than 500,000 people are expected to be at event in Jalan Raja, near Dataran Merdeka.
City police chief Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim said Jalan Hishamuddin, Jalan Leboh Pasar, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Raja Laut and Bulatan Dato’ Onn would be closed from 6am tomorrow.
Participants will be allowed to gather from Jalan Raja, in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad building, until Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (near Sogo).