POLICE ISSUE WARNING OVER RALLY TO TOPPLE GOVERNMENT

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian police on Saturday issued a stern warning that individuals or groups will be charged for holding a planned illegal assembly to overthrow the government at Dataran Merdeka on 31 December.

Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Datuk Amar Singh Ishar Singh said police will not hesistate to detain parties attempting to spark unrest under the Penal Code and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).

He said intelligence found several groups and non-governmental organisations (NGO) would be involved in the illegal gathering to show their dissatisfaction against the government and to create chaos.

"Kumpulan Gerakan Turun Kos Sara Hidup (Turun), Jingga 13, Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia as well as Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia are believed to be involved in the gathering," he told a media conference at Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters on Saturday.

He added that the illegal assembly organisers would also be setting up camps around Dataran Merdeka and would be bringing various weapons including grenades and gas masks to stir up a commotion.

In this regard, Amar Singh advised the people not to participate and support the assembly as it is against the law.

Turun has maintained that its gathering is peaceful and separate from the one calling to overthrow the government. BERNAMA