by Theleaders-Online | August 24, 2019 3:28 am
PUCHONG: The proposed rally for today in Brickfields by Tamil school groups against the implementation of khat was called off at the behest of PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Organiser Shankar Ganesh said the planned rally, which is called “Voice for the Voiceless”, is now cancelled due to two reasons.
“I don’t want to go against the law. Without permits, I don’t want the public to be affected in any way.
“Anwar had also called me and requested us to cancel the gathering. He has promised to help the Indian community.
“He has given us an appointment to meet him next week to discuss the issue. I have agreed to his request and I have faith in his promise,” he said.
On top of the khat controversy, the rally was also about raising awareness on issues such as the unilateral conversion of minors, the presence of controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik, the distribution of funds allocated for the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra), statelessness and citizenship.
“We must get results and the sole intention of the gathering was to obtain concession for the people. Please put faith in the decision and let’s hope we get to solve our issues fast.”
“I hope Anwar delivers without fail for the Indian community,” Shankar said.
While the rally yesterday was uneventful, two men were detained and brought to the Brickfields police station to have their statements recorded, according to their lawyer Devaneson Ganesan.
They were K Umagandhan of the Naan Oru Tamilian education group and Chinese educationist Tan Boon Tak.
“It was meant to be a peaceful rally. Umagandhan was only there to disperse the crowd once he was aware that there was no permit,” said Devaneson.
Source URL: https://theleaders-online.com/organiser-cancels-second-brickfields-rally-after-anwars-intervention/
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