Respect the law, rally goers and organisers urged

Organisers of Bersih 5 and the rally participants must respect the law, says MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

“Let it be a harmonious and peaceful assembly where participants obey the law.”

Liow, however, said going to the streets was not the way to topple a government in a country that practises democracy.

“At the end of the day, if anyone wants to topple the Government, they can only do so through a general election. That is the democratic process,” said Liow.

He added that there was no issue if the Chinese community wanted to participate in the event.

“It is not an issue for MCA. The party upholds democracy, freedom and equality, and these are values that are practised in this country. As long as you do it (assemble) within the law, then we respect your decision,” said Liow at a press conference after chairing the National Logistics Task Force (NLTF) meeting here yesterday.

Bersih 2.0 organisers confirmed that they were planning another street rally in Kuala Lumpur this year – a show of protest following a civil suit by the US Department of Justice against 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

On the logistics task force, Liow said Malaysia was progressing well in its mission to become Asia’s “preferred logistics gateway” by 2020.

The Transport Minister said the first phase of the Logistics and Trade Facilitation Masterplan 2015-2020, which focuses on de-bottlenecking logistical connections, is nearing its completion and has made significant strides since its implementation.

“For example, projects to enhance last mile connectivity to Port Klang are close to completion. We have succeeded in completing the bridge across the railway tracks at Jalan Pelabuhan Utara in 2015.

“By December, we expect to complete the upgrading of the Bandar Sultan Sulaiman/ Northport Gate 2 junction project.

“Currently, we have two projects underway and three more to start in 2017. These projects are expected to reduce traffic congestion in Port Klang and improve efficiency of transportation,” said Liow.

Phase two of the masterplan will begin next year and it focuses on enhancing domestic growth, while the final phase, which is to create regional footprint, is set for 2020.

“The success of the masterplan will see the increase of cargo volume to 880 million tonnes with an annual growth of 8% in 2020 and beyond. It is also projected to generate 146,000 new jobs, mostly in the high-skilled category,” he said, adding that the development of the KLIA Aeropolis would also boost the air cargo sector.