Cops cut short Anwar's speech at ceramah

Police stopped PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim from delivering his full speech at a Johor Pakatan Rakyat ceramah (political talk) in Kulai last night.

Other Pakatan leaders had also been invited to speak, including former MCA vice-president Chua Jui Meng who had joined PKR in July.

However, the police only moved to stop the function when Anwar (in white shirt) arrived at 11pm.

By then, PKR director of strategy Tian Chua (in blue shirt), Johor PAS information chief Mazlan Aliman and Johor DAP chairperson Dr Boo Cheng Hau had made their speeches.

Kulai PKR chief Liew Shin Kheong, when contacted today, said Kulai Jaya OCPD Supt Zulkifli Yahya led a group of police officers onto the stage to call off the event, saying action was being taken because of “protests from 30 Umno Youth members”.

Other police personnel were deployed along the access road to issue summonses to anyone parking nearby. Jui Meng claimed that the police had mounted roadblocks on roads leading to the venue.

Anwar lambasted Zulkifli’s decision as "nonsensical" in a text-message that he circulated earlier today.

“It is unreasonable that police should bow to Umno and follow the directions of a small number of rude supporters,” he said.

Jui Meng said Anwar had negotiated with Zulkifli for permission to make a 10-minute speech, which was granted, and the guests dispersed peacefully.

“It is clear that the police are receiving instructions from Kuala Lumpur. The fact that they did not disturb the ceremony prior to Anwar’s arrival shows that they did not think it was unlawful,” said Jui Meng.

No permit for function

Liew, meanwhile, admitted that it did not have a permit for the function because police had rejected the application.

“The reason given was that the venue is close to the road and a function there would cause traffic congestion,” he said.

Since the event was to be held on private property, the organiser decided to proceed with it.

However, a letter was sent to the police informing them of the decision and explaining the purpose and agenda of the event, as well as identifying the speakers.