KL mayor angry at disruption

KL mayor angry at disruption

KUALA LUMPUR - Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal yesterday voiced his frustration over the New Year's Eve celebrations at Dataran Merdeka, which were marred by anti-government protesters.

He said the celebration on Tuesday was not only important to the city but also to the nation, as it marked the new year and kicked off Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

"Protesters took the opportunity of the public gathering at the New Year's Eve celebration to hold the rally to express their dissatisfaction on certain issues," he said.

The celebration also broke tradition because, for the first time in history, there was no countdown or fireworks display to mark the new year at Dataran Merdeka.

"It was not possible to make the countdown as the protesters kept interrupting the event.

"Instead of wishing revellers a Happy New Year, I had to change my address into advice and calls for the protesters to stay calm so the celebration could continue smoothly."

Phesal said it was unfortunate the concert had to be stopped after plastic bottles were hurled at the stage.

"We had to stop the performance to ensure the safety of the musicians and their equipment. The unused fireworks will be recycled for other future events."

Phesal was quoted by Bernama as saying the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) would hold a special meeting with the police to discuss the appropriate action that could be taken against the rally's organiser, Turun Kos Sara Hidup (Turun).

"We have yet to identify the appropriate action to be taken, whether to sue the organiser or any other form of action.".

Asked about the chorus of boos which greeted him while he was giving his speech, Phesal said he thought only about his responsibility to the public, and this gave him the strength to remain on stage until the event ended.

"While I was on the stage, I could see elderly folk, women and children with their parents, waiting patiently for the New Year celebration.

"As the mayor and event organiser, I felt it would have been irresponsible of me to leave as it could have turned ugly," he said, adding that he was relieved the celebration ended without any reveller being injured or damage to property.

He said DBKL enforcement officers and the police were told not to react to any provocation by the protesters.

Phesal said there were some who protested peacefully.

He said 700 DBKL officers and more than 1,000 police personnel were in position to monitor and control the situation.

Although he did not think the protest would affect the tourism industry, Phesal urged the authorities to stay on their toes.

"I would like to thank the police, City Hall and members of the public for coming to Dataran Merdeka although they knew about the protest."

Preparation for the celebration was done in less than a month with a total cost of RM48,000 (S$18,500).

On Tuesday, about 5,000 protesters gathered at various locations before walking towards Dataran Merdeka. They breached three barricades to enter the site.

Two policemen were injured. Police also found a parang and three knives at the Dayabumi complex. No arrests were made.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor lambasted those who took part in the rally.

Tengku Adnan described the protesters as a misguided lot and warned that their follies might hinder the country's vision to emerge as a developed nation by 2020.

The Federal Territories minister said it was uncalled for for the disgruntled group to converge in the city and harass others, including foreign tourists, who had gathered to celebrate and usher in the new year.

He urged the people to make a proper evaluation of matters and not to be easily swayed by the agenda of certain quarters. Additional reporting by Adib Povera

 

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