'Save Malaysia' protest to continue as planned, say organisers

The organisers of the "Save Malaysia" gathering to protest the controversial decision to halt the corruption trial of Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi say the demonstration will proceed as planned.

Badrul Hisham Shaharin, a member of the assembly's secretariat, said an important announcement would be made ahead of the gathering in the capital city on Sept 16. 

"We guarantee that the issue of safety will be our main focus. Surely we are not out to create confusion in order to save the country. 

"The one creating the confusion is you (the government)," he said in a press conference at the Dang Wangi police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today. 

Badrul, also known as Chegu Bard, also took aim at government parties, saying many would attend the rally if the "integrity fighters" in PKR and DAP joined in as well. 

He added that the gathering involved a range of groups including political parties and NGOs. 

Several representatives from Perikatan Nasional have been called up so far for questioning over the rally, which is planned to coincide with Malaysia Day. 

They include Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayshal Wan Ahmad Kamal and Gombak Setia assemblyman Hilman Idham.

Badrul said the venue of the gathering would be announced later, adding however that it would likely be held in the city centre. 

The Kuala Lumpur police have received six reports so far on the "Save Malaysia" rally. 

Deputy police chief Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay had warned of action against the rally organisers, saying they must comply with requirements under the Peaceful Assembly Act. 

His remarks drew criticism from various quarters including Suara Rakyat Malaysia, which said such pre-rally warnings were also used by previous administrations to clamp down on public assemblies deemed as "highly sensitive". 

Wan Ahmad Fayshal meanwhile said that the police had only taken his statement on the press conference, with no order or obstruction in relation to the gathering.

"As per the PAA, we are not violating any laws, and we will carry on," he said.