Umno branch leader claims Bersih 2.0 infiltrated by IS militants

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian electoral watchdog group Bersih 2.0 has been infiltrated by Islamic State (IS) militants, claimed Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Md Yunos on Wednesday (Sept 28), though he provided no evidence to support his allegation.

“We’ll make a police report. We have trustworthy info that they have been infiltrated by IS and Daesh. We’ll leave it to the authorities to deal with it,” said Mr Jamal, who is also a leader of the “Red Shirts” movement.

Mr Jamal was speaking to reporters during a press conference at the Putra World Trade Centre. The Sungai Besar Umno division chief also said that the “Red Shirts” movement will be holding rival events at every location where Bersih 2.0 will conduct roadshows ahead of its November rally.

“We have decided unanimously to go and oppose them (Bersih 2.0). We will go to every location in the roadshows stating this Saturday.

“Our friends from every state, from every race including Indians, Malays and Chinese even Sabah and Sarawakians will join us. We will go the six locations they have announced yesterday,” he told reporters.

The six locations that Bersih plans to visit in its roadshow are Johor Baru, Lumut, Perlis, Kota Baru, Sandakan and Miri.

Mr Jamal added that his group will also make an additional stop in Penang where they will protest against Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng over his corruption charges.

Mr Jamal on Wednesday also repeated his pledge that he will rally 300,000 people to counter the Bersih 5 protest planned for November 19. He also claimed that the Bersih 5 rally would involve the takeover of vital locations such as airports in the manner of protests in Thailand, but again did not provide any evidence to support the allegation.

Later Wednesday, Bersih 2.0 said it was considering legal action against Mr Jamal over his allegations, which it described as malicious with the intention to create fear and civil unrest.

“Bersih 2.0 rejects in the strongest possible terms the allegations made by Jamal Yunos at a press conference today.

“Bersih 2.0 has no connection with any terrorist groups whatsoever. We have no plans to gather at any airports in Malaysia and will follow the convoy and rally schedule as publicised in our media statements, website and social media,” its steering committee said in a statement.

“Bersih 2.0 is assessing all legal options in dealing with such malicious allegations and will hold all those responsible who fabricate and circulate them,” the group added. THE MALAY MAIL ONLINE