The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) has stated that it does not plan on interfering with law enforcement exercises surrounding the upcoming #BERSIH4 mass gathering, unless the Federal Government declares a state of emergency.
ATM chief General Zulkiefli Mohd Zin told reporters at the Defence Ministry that the nation’s soldiers have not been called to prevent or control this weekend’s mass protest against Prime Minister Najib Razak’s administration and to call for electoral reforms and respect for the rakyat‘s freedom to dissent.
“ATM will only intervene in the rally if the government declares a state of emergency.
“If the situation is categorised as a threat to public order, we will take over the role of the police in containing the situation,” General Zulkiefli said, as quoted by The Star Online.
However, Zulkielfi asserted that despite its non-participation, the ATM has still been conducting training exercises that prepare its troops for the eventuality of a peaceful gathering gone out of control.
“It doesn’t mean we haven’t been carrying out training with the police to to maintain public order.
“We need to ensure that we are always prepared, skilled and efficient in our duties should the government declare a state of emergency,” he said.
“We worry if rallies like these turn into states of emergency due to certain reasons. What happened in the Thailand bombing- there are people who take advantage of the situation..This is what we worry about.
“There are many factors that could turn a rally, however peaceful, chaotic.”
