SHAH ALAM, 23 May: PAS Vice President, Salahuddin Ayob urged the Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to be rational and open towards the organisation of peaceful assemblies.
Salahuddin said that such assemblies are means of which the people, especially the young people, express dissatisfaction regarding the operation of the 13th General Election (GE-13) which is seen as not transparent and full of flaws.
“I am confident that all assemblies organised are ordinary assemblies, peaceful assemblies.
“Young people come without weapons and without intent of committing violence and are far from overthrowing the government by force,” said Salahuddin.
He responded towards Ahmad Zahid’s warning issued on 20 May towards anyone who participates or organises assemblies to criticise the Federal Government.
Since 8 May, Pakatan Rakyat has organised a series of assemblies called “Blackout 05” to protest against the 13th General Election (GE-13) results which is claimed to be laden with fraud.
The assemblies which were organised at fields or stadiums managed to gather tens of thousands of people who arrived dressed in black.
“The Sun’ newspaper reported that Ahmad Zahid said that whoever participates of involves themselves in such assemblies should be prepared to face legal action.
“Do not worry if Dato Zahid is rational or that he is more objective. This in itself will boost his image as the new Home Minister.
“So I hope that further actions will be considered with care and I also feel that it is important for us to provide a more democratic space for the people of our nation”.