Assembly organisers must ensure there is no rioting

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the opposition must ensure that the assembly they propose to hold on Saturday does not develop into a riot.

They should apply to Stadium Negara if they wish to organise the assembly there and ensure that the capacity stipulated was complied with, he said.

He said everyone must ensure that the assembly did not turn into a riot as had happened during the 'Bersih' gathering last year.

In this context, Hishammuddin hoped the organisers would hold a meeting with the police on the security measures that must be adhered to.

"I am convinced that the Inspector-General of Police had monitored the situation and can ensure that what we fear will not recur. What is important now is that we learn from what had transpired at the Bersih gathering previously where there were chaos and street rioting," he told reporters here, after a briefing on the Barisan Nasional's preparations to face the 13th general election.

The briefing was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Hishammuddin reminded that if the proposed assembly were to proceed, the participants must gather inside the stadium and not march out in numbers.

"Public peace must be emphasised. I believe the majority of Malaysians understand and want their rights regarding peace to be protected," he said.