Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association today expressed strong objections to a parade planned by Malaysia Falun Xiulian Dafa Association which will be held on Feb 11.

Association chairperson Ang Say Tee said they have already sent a letter of objection to the Dang Wangi police district headquarters yesterday.

He said the Malaysia Falun Xiulian Dafa Association, also known as "Falun Gong", was banned in China, and their activities in many countries, including Malaysia, have always protested against China.

"In order to take care the safety of hawkers, social stability and relations between Malaysia and China, we oppose the march by Falun Gong," Ang told a press conference today.

He said according to sources, the procession route by Falun Gong included Jalan Petaling, Jalan Sultan and Jalan Imbi.

He also claimed that Falun Gong made an application to the police using the name of "Lantern Festival Cultural Parade", and that the Feb 11 parade is part of the Lantern Festival.

"Falun Gong is a legally registered organisation in Malaysia and their previous activities were always done on a small-scale or joined by few people. But this time, we believe the parade will be attended by a huge crowd.

"We have the experience of the red-shirts demonstration, so we are worried that the Falun Gong's big march will suddenly turn into an anti-China one, or cause conflicts.

"Moreover, there will be a lot of foreign tourists during the Lantern Festival, including China tourists, and we are afraid the procession will affect the hawkers' business," said Ang.

Police processing Falun Gong's application

Dang Wangi OCPD Mohd Shukri Kaman confirmed that Malaysia Falun Xiulian Dafa Association had applied for permission to hold the parade.

"We are still processing the application," Shukri said when contacted.

Ang said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's official visit to China last year had successfully brought in foreign investments which benefits the Malaysian economy.

"Therefore, we do not want Falun Gong's processions to affect Malaysia-China relations."

He also called on other local Chinese organisations to unite against Falun Gong's procession and hoped they would lodge police reports.

"I urge Chinese leaders to stand up against Falun Gong's procession. I also hope the hawkers and Chinese organisations will report the matter to the police," said Ang.