The Malaysian Police has confirmed that seven people were arrested for their involvement in the Bersih 5 rally demonstration held on Saturday (19 November) at Kuala Lumpur and several other cities.
This rally, which saw more than 15,000 people in yellow t-shirts and 2,800 in red t-shirts, aims to protest against the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
According to local news, The Malay Online, there were 28 police reports made, 20 of which involved arrests while eight were general reports.
City police chief Datuk Amar Singh said three people among those who were arrested were a 65-year-old Bersih steering committee member and activist Hishamuddin Rais, 33-year-old Pasir Pinji assemblyman Howard Lee Chuan How, and 41-year-old Umno Youth Exco Malaysia committee member Amand Azha Abu Hanifah under Section 147 and Section 511 of the Penal Code for rioting and attempts to commit the same offence.
A 39-year-old political graphic designer Fahmi Reza was also arrested.
A 49-year-old man Tony Siew, the owner of a local popular water hole, was also being detained. He used drone during the rally and is investigated under Section 143 of the Public Aviation Rules.
A 33-year-old man was arrested. He assaulted a Bersih participant by purposely kicking him.
Another 33-year-old man was also detained as police found a parang and a brass knuckle in the man’s possession. He was arrested for illegal possession of weapons.
Another report was lodged by the Dang Wangi police chief ACP Zainol Samah on Thursday. He said that there was an attempt to overthrow the government using undemocratic ways.
Demonstrators who brought underage children to the rally will also be investigated for violating the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
Bersih participants gathered at Dataran Maybank, Bangsar LRT Station, National Mosque, SOGO, Jalan Tun Perak and roads leading to Dataran Merdeka.
While, red shirt participants gathered at PWTC, Jalan Raja Laut, SOGO and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman before heading towards Padang Merbok.
Both groups dispersed from their respective locations around 6pm.
