Organisers of Sept 16 gathering awaiting City Hall decision

The organisers of the United People's Gathering are still waiting for the decision of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) over their application to hold a gathering at Padang Merbok on Sept 16.

Malaysia National Silat Federation (Pesaka) president Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam said, as organisers of the gathering, Pesaka had handed over notices to the police and DBKL and were only waiting for the outcome.

"Have not received any letter from DBKL to date to use Padang Merbok. We will inform the police again when we get it," he told a media conference after witnessing the final of the 2015 Malaysian Open International Silat Championship here, today.

Mohd Ali said Pesaka had no problems about gathering in a closed venue such as the Merdeka Stadium if it did not get a permit to use Padang Merbok.

"I invite all members of Pesaka besides non-governmenta; organisations, PAS members and all Malaysians to take part in the gathering to defend our nation's values including the principles of Rukun Negara," he said.

Commenting further on the gathering, Mohd Ali said no special color was fixed for participants.

"We also don't distribute T-shirts...if we get permission, we will hold the gathering at Padang Merbok, not in Bukit Bintang and not in Petaling Street.

On the distribution of posters warning of bloodshed, Mohd Ali said it had nothing to do with Pesaka.

He also stressed that participants had been asked to refrain from making provocations to ensure the gathering would remain peaceful.

The organisation of the United People's Gathering is said to be in reaction to the Bersih 4 gathering held in the city on Aug 29 and 30.

In BATU PAHAT, UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi said the party did not stop any of its members from joining the rally as it was a manifestation of solidarity for the government's leadership.

However, he reminded UMNO members planning tp join the rally to be on their "best bahavior" and not engage in any provocative acts as had been done by some participants of the Bersih rally.

Abdul Aziz, who is also Deputy Transport Minister, was speaking to reporters after flagging of a "#sehatisejiwa" treasure hunt for the Sri Gading parliamentary constituency in conjunction with the National Day celebrations here today.