Selangor PKR said the widening crackdown on Bersih 2.0's rally may lead to an emergency being declared on July 9 and a spate of Internal Security Act (ISA) arrests.

NONEDuring a press conference at the PKR headquarters today, Selangor PKR information chief Shuhaimi Shafiei (left) said the authorities were already imposing excessive curbs, including arrests for wearing the Bersih 2.0 t-shirt and for speaking about the rally during public speeches at opposition events.

"We cannot discount the possibility (of emergency). Because now, the rally has become a controversy. They are catching people simply for wearing yellow shirts.

"It seems that (wearing yellow shirts) is a more serious (offence) than distributing pornography or selling heroin and cannabis," he said.

Double standards

Shuhaimi said the authorities were bent on ensuring the rally does not takes place in order to maintain the current electoral system and protect BN.

azlan"We expect they will use any means possible to thwart the rally, including declaring emergency on July 9.

"But the flames of anger among the people cannot be snuffed out with such measures and it would fan the anger of people even more," he said.

He said that the threats leveled at Bersih 2.0 and its supports were illogical because the movement's aim was to call for free and fair elections.

Furthermore, he said threats from the authorities were aimed directly at Bersih 2.0, while Malay rights pressure group Perkasa and Umno Youth, who plan counter-protests for July 9, appear to have immunity.

Legal and lodging assistance

Meanwhile, Shuhaimi announced that Selangor PKR aims to have at least 70,000 out of its 400,000 members attend the rally.

He said that a plan, mostly involving public transport, had been drawn up to allow members from every corner of the state to attend the rally.

He adds that Selangor PKR members would be also opening their homes to their counterparts from other states in case they need lodging prior to the July 9 rally.

As for legal support, Shuhaimi said Pakatan Rakyat coalition partner PAS has pledge to prepare between 300 to 400 lawyers that will assist detainees before and after the rally.

He said more information about such services would be made known online in the near future.

VIDEO | 6.53 mins

 

ISA will not deter Bersih, vows leader

Bersih HQ raided, 7 staff arrested

July 9 rallies: Backing down not an option

Bersih crackdown: Is Malaysia a fascist state?

More leaders, activists summoned over Bersih

Police to quiz 40 over July 9 rally, says lawyer

Anwar: Reds, Christianity threat claims a diversion

PKR expects emergency status for July 9 rally

Police cordon off Bersih ceramah site

Bersih turns to social media amid police clampdown

'Bersih Australia' to defy gov't warnings

Coming soon: Bersih a front for extraterrestrials?

If Ibrahim can't stop violence, he should stay at home

PHOTO GALLERY