Jamal: We’re not gangsters

“I cannot tell you now which road will be closed because the yellow shirts said they want to gather near Dataran. Where is that? The Red Shirts also want to follow, but where? We do not know.”

He said it is difficult for the police to make preparations and ensure safety because of the vague information.

Red Shirts leader Datuk Seri Jamal Yunos had announced the Red Shirts would hold a large-scale assembly in response to the Bersih 5 gathering.

Jamal, who acknowledged the IGP’s warning as part of police responsibility to ensure public safety, said his men are prepared for any eventuality this Saturday.

“We are prepared to face anything, not only police action ... even put our lives on the line for our future generations,” he told theSun.

He said the Red Shirts “would have no choice” but to gather and retaliate if Bersih proceeds with its rally.

“We have promised ... if there is no yellow, then there will be no red. If they continue, then I can't guarantee anybody’s safety.

“We are not gangsters or looking for trouble, we just want our country to remain peaceful,” he added.

Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah, when contacted, said although she viewed Khalid’s statement as fair warning, she sees no necessity for the police to use tear gas on Bersih supporters, citing their past peaceful assemblies.

“We are going to be peaceful, as we have always been in previous rallies. As far as the Red Shirts are concerned, if they want to gather, then gather in peace. Don’t show violence and gangsterism.

“We will not clash with them, let’s be clear. It’s they who will clash with us. We are not here to fight. The issue is the Red Shirts,” she added.

Meanwhile, Parti Amanah Negara secretary-general Mohd Anuar Tahir said about 30,000 of its members and supporters will join the rally on Saturday.

He said apart from mobilising supporters, the party has also assigned 55 lawyers known as “Urgent Arrest Team” and 50 medical officers (ARIF Medical Team) for the rally.