Anti-Bersih group shows physical endurance, ready for rally

A violent performance by an anti-Bersih group by smashing woods and roof tiles on their backs and heads received public attention, reports The Rakyat Post.

The news portal reported that the coalition of Malay non-governmental organizations (NGOs) headed by Datuk Jamal Md Yunos have chosen red for their participants.

When asked about the reason for this violent performance in front of Sogo shopping complex on Tuesday, the group said it was part of their self-defence preparations should there be any problems between them and the Bersih 4.0 group which will wear yellow.

“If Bersih 4.0 organisers follow through with what they said, which was to have at least 100,000 people attending the illegal gathering, then the authorities will definitely have problem guaranteeing the safety of all the yellow participants and us.

“We won’t initiate any violence, but if the yellow team does, then our people dressed in red will be able to defend ourselves,” said Jamal to the news portal.

The pro-gvoernment group will gather at around Low Yat in Bukit Bintang at 9am on Saturday and would march to Dataran Merdeka along Jalan Pudu at 10am.

On Tuesday’s demonstration, it was attended by around 150 people dressed in red t-shirts with “Bersih 4 Keamanan”, and a group of men showed their strength and endurance when they were hit with long wooden sticks and roof tiles.

“Our 30,000 supporters have all signed forms agreeing that should any physical violence be inflicted on them, we will not be responsible, but we have provided accident insurance for them,” said Jamal.

He added that they were prepared to call of the gathering should Bersih 4.0 decide to do the same.

The Bersih 4.0 rally – organized by the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) - is scheduled to take place on August 29 and 30 for 34 hours.