As the Jerit cyclists get closer to Kuala Lumpur in their 16-day nationwide tour, they expect to encounter problems when they enter the capital city next week.

While they have another trouble-free day today, unlike the first half of their tour where a number of them were arrested and some of their bicycles were destroyed by arsonists, they are likely to hit a major obstacle in their final lap.

Signs of possible trouble came from deputy police chief Ismail Omar when he urged the public not to participate in the campaign.

jerit cycling campaign 071208 cylist cycle onto town “His statement gives an indication that the Jerit cyclists might face problems reaching (our final destination) Parliament. But we are not giving up because we have fought all the way to get this far,” said Jerit coordinator Y Kohila.

According to news reports, Ismail has labelled Jerit as an unregistered organisation and that the cyclists did not have the necessary police permits for the tour.

anti fta protest at miti 140108 y kohila Kohila today clarified that the Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (Oppressed Peoples’ Network) is a grouping of different coalitions including students, factory workers, plantation workers and NGOs.

“Coalitions like Jerit, Bersih or Abolish ISA Movement need not be registered as it is a coalition of different oganisations,” she said.

Ismail was quoted in the Star that Jerit must apply for police permits to hold gatherings and parades, otherwise “those taking part are committing an offence”.

Kohila however retorted that the bike tour has been actively backed by Kedah Mentri Besar Azizan Abu Bakar, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Perak Mentri Besar Nizar Mohamad and Selangor Mentri Besar Khalid Ibrahim.

“So is the deputy IGP going to charge all four chief ministers of criminal offence for supporting this campaign?” she said.

Journey continues without major incidents

jerit cycling campaign 081208 bicycle team The two teams of Jerit cyclists - one from the north which kicked off its journey in Alor Star, Kedah while another approaching from the south, beginning in Skudai, Johor - continue their journey today without any major incident.

The 50-strong Johor team paddled their way into Seremban to hand a memorandum to Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Muhammad Hassan this morning.

Much to their disappointment however, the menteri besar could not attend as “he was busy” and the document which called for the repeal of repressive laws among others, was received by his political secretary, Firdaus Harun.

jerit cycling campaign 071208 road block on the road to kluang The Kedah team, also comprising about 50 participants, however faced roadblocks in both Simpang Pulai and Gopeng in Perak today - the 10th day of the two-week trip.

“The police had set up a few roadblocks there and the participants were asked to show their identifications.”

They were nevertheless allowed to proceed after showing their identity cards.

jerit ride for change bicycle tour 051208 01 “So far, everything looks okay and the southern team will move to Labu from Seremban tonight.

“As for the northern team, Gopeng MP Lee Boon Chye (from PKR) will host them for lunch and after that they will proceed to Kampar and Tapah where (opposition parties) PAS and PSM team will accommodate them,” said Kohila.

She also indicated that the southern team will enter Selangor tomorrow through Beranang and Semenyih and they will meet state leader Khalid on Wednesday to submit their memorandum.

A series of obstacles

In the first week of the tour, the cyclists have faced constant harassment from the police.

jerit ride for change bicycle tour 051208 03 Two days ago, 44 cyclists were briefly detained in Kanthan, Perak, where they had to furnish the police with their personal details. They were also reportedly quizzed on whether they had links with any secret societies.

Before that, the police arrested 10 participants , including Sungai Siput parliamentarian Dr D Jeyakumar, in Taiping and Kuala Kangsar in Perak as well as Segamat in Johor.

All were released on police bail on the same day.

penang jerit cycling campaign 071208 burned bicycle On Saturday, eight bicycles were damaged in a fire set by arsonists when the 50-odd cyclists had stopped for the night in Penanti in Seberang Perai, Penang.

The cyclists, most of them teenagers, kicked off the Jerit campaign from Alor Star last Tuesday while a southern team of 15 cyclists began their journey on Saturday from Johor.

However, even before Johor team started its trip, some of the participants were detained for questioning.

skudai police stop bicycle campaign 061208 03 Despite this, the cyclists are determined to reach Parliament House as scheduled next Thursday, where both teams will converge to deliver a six-point memorandum to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim.

The ‘People - The force of change’ campaign is Jerit’s attempt to raise awareness on issues such as food shortages, environmental problems, draconian laws and the financial crisis.

jerit ride for change events 121208