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Malaysia Govt blames Opp for violence at protest rally
Malaysian Police on Sunday released 471 protesters who were part of a chaotic demonstration here to demand electoral reforms, as the Government blamed the organisers for allowing the Opposition hijack the rally and turn it violent.
An estimated 25,000 people had gathered in downtown Kuala Lumpur yesterday demanding electoral reforms, and police resorted to firing tear gas and chemical-laced water after protesters broke through the barricades to enter the Independence Square, defying a venue ban.
Charges have not yet been filed against them. The NGO Bersih, which organised the rally, wants the Government to review the country’s election system and clean up the electoral roll before the next elections, that are expected to be announced soon.
Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said today that prominent ethnic Indian lawyer, S Ambiga, who is the Bersih organiser, and the Opposition must take responsibility for allowing a peaceful gathering to turn violent.
Describing what happened as regrettable, he said Ambiga, as the main organiser of the rally, must also face the law for the resulting damage to property and policemen being injured.
Yesterday’s riots were uncalled for. The Opposition must be held responsible for that.
Malaysian Police on Sunday released 471 protesters who were part of a chaotic demonstration here to demand electoral reforms, as the Government blamed the organisers for allowing the Opposition hijack the rally and turn it violent.
An estimated 25,000 people had gathered in downtown Kuala Lumpur yesterday demanding electoral reforms, and police resorted to firing tear gas and chemical-laced water after protesters broke through the barricades to enter the Independence Square, defying a venue ban.
Charges have not yet been filed against them. The NGO Bersih, which organised the rally, wants the Government to review the country’s election system and clean up the electoral roll before the next elections, that are expected to be announced soon.
Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said today that prominent ethnic Indian lawyer, S Ambiga, who is the Bersih organiser, and the Opposition must take responsibility for allowing a peaceful gathering to turn violent.
Describing what happened as regrettable, he said Ambiga, as the main organiser of the rally, must also face the law for the resulting damage to property and policemen being injured.
Yesterday’s riots were uncalled for. The Opposition must be held responsible for that.
