Red Shirt rally: Kamalanathan not aware office used to distribute T-shirts

Education deputy minister P. Kamalanthan was not aware that his service centre in Hulu Selangor was used to distribute the Red Shirt rally T-shirts.

His office only came to know about it when photos of the act went viral.

An aide close to Kamalanathan said the non-governmental organisation Pemuda Sekopi Hulu Selangor had asked for permission to use his office which had a meeting room, yesterday.

“Since they have used the office before this for their meetings, permission was granted. We didn’t know about the T-shirts being distributed until we saw the photos,” he said when contacted.

Meanwhile, Kamalanathan had on Twitter promised to be more careful in the future to ensure such incidences are not repeated.

"I wish to stress that I do not support any rally or gatherings that has any incitement to any race or run foul of the laws of this country," the Hulu Selangor member of Parliament said.

MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam had earlier urged the police to use all available means to halt the 'Red Shirt' rally planned for September 16 in Kuala Lumpur.

He said there was a risk that the protest may result in unwanted incidents, which could have a negative effect on the country's political stability, economy and racial harmony.

The 'Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu' or Red Shirt rally is allegedly being organised as a retaliation to the Bersih 4 rally held in the federal capital on Aug 29 and 30.

READ: Red Shirt rally: Five things you need to know before Sept 16

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has cautioned participants of the rally planned for Wednesday to avoid bringing any written material including pamphlets or banners that can stir up racial hatred.

The UMNO president said those involved must comply with the rules and observe all laws including the Sedition Act 1948.

Yesterday, KL Mayor Datuk Mhd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz said City Hall had approved the permit application to the organiser, National Silat Federation (Pesaka) to use Padang Merbok to hold the rally.

Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor had also advised all quarters who wish to join the rally to obey the rules.

He said with City Hall allowing Padang Merbok to be used as venue, it is hoped that major roads around the city would be left undisturbed by the rally.