Full probe and firm action ,says Gerakan on 428 

Kuala Lumpur , April 30- Gerakan calls for a thorough and professional investigation into what led to the chaos and violence around Dataran Merdeka on April 28 (428) so as to answer doubts in the minds of the people as a result of conflicting reports in the various media.

Following that, firm and fair action should be taken against those who caused the trouble. The investigation must also examine seriously and objectively allegations that some personnel in uniform at certain localities over-reacted and caused harm to the people, especially to journalists on duty.

We support the firm and fair stand by the Prime Minister before and on April 28 as he repeatedly urged for restraint by protestors and police so as to ensure all goes on peacefully. Unfortunately, it turned out not to be the case.

While Ambiga was clearly heard to have pleaded for restraint and ordered dispersal, Pakatan leaders, especially Anwar and Azmin, seemed to have done otherwise, provoking protestors to storm Dataran Merdeka.

While the vast majority of the participants in the event were well-behaved, it was obvious that there were quite a number who took law into their own hands, as also clearly recorded. They must be identified and charged.

At the same time, almost all uniformed personnel on duty acted professionally with great restraint, but some seemed to have over-reacted, again as recorded and displayed through the social media. This was especially so for the several cases of rough action on journalists on duty.

The incidents on April 28 reaffirmed Gerakan’s long-standing stand against street demonstration, while advocating peacefully assemblies in appropriate venues, such as stadiums.

We also call upon Pakatan leaders and others to take heed of the wise advice by many other leaders to all to abide by the law and not to go to the streets, especially DAP’s Vice-Chairman, Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim in his speech in the Dewan Negara and outside.

After all, all responsible leaders must preserve and protect our parliamentary democracy, where the people can and should decide by ballots, not by feet and fists, and definitely not by bullets.