The Police Spin on Black 505

Malaysians have the right to go to the streets if the Government does not deal with their concerns. The Black 505 protest tomorrow is not the first time Malaysians have taken to the streets to send a strong message to a recalcitrant government. I remember BERSIH 1.0, which I participated, and Hindraf in November, 2007, BERSIH 2.0, Lawyers Putrajaya Protest, and so on. They have all been very orderly and peaceful. except when the Police and the FRU decided to use tear gas and water cannons, in the case of Hindraf, 2007 and BERSIH2.0, 2011.

BERSIH2.0, July 2007

It is well known that Police personnel in plain clothes have often been used as agent provocateurs to create a ruckus, thereby providing the justification for a show of force by the Police and the FRU. The organisers say that Black 505 will be conducted peacefully. There is no reason to doubt them. All the Police have to do is to cooperate with the leaders of Black 505 movement, and ensure that their Police and FRU personnel exercise restraint. But with this claim by the Kuala Lumpur Police, Black 505 tomorrow could turn ugly.

I appeal to my fellow Malaysians not to react to any provocation by extreme elements among them who will taunt and irritate them to no end. The authorities want to discredit the Black 505 rally and put the blame to the Opposition led by Anwar Ibrahim. We never know what will be in store for protesting Malaysians on June 22 since we have a new Minister of Home Affairs and the Inspector-General of Police (above) who are keen to show their power.

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