Rally by pro-Malay groups called off in Kuala Lumpur

By P Prem Kumar

KUALA LUMPUR

A rally planned by pro-Malay groups in Kuala Lumpur was called off without any notice Saturday, as police secured a predominantly Chinese commercial district where protesters were dispersed with water cannon earlier this month.

Around 200 police officers from the Federal Reserve Unit were seen guarding Petaling Street -- a tourist hub with more than 500 small shops selling a wide range of products -- since 10 a.m. (0200GMT).

The site remained free of "red shirt" protesters until 4 p.m., a day after the group’s official spokesperson Jamal Yunos was detained by police.

Despite the heavy police presence, it was business as usual on Petaling Street on Saturday, as local and international tourists strolled undisturbed across the lane. Earlier reports had said hundreds of shops were considering closing for the day for fear of further chaos.

No untoward incident was reported in the area, according to a short statement released by the district police chief.

"However, all patrolling and observation continues," Zainol Samah said.

The planned gathering had been organized in the aftermath of a racially charged Sept. 16 rally - primarily aimed at intimidating the Chinese minority - which saw around 2,000 people fight police as they tried to enter the district before being dispersed with water cannon.

Yunos had warned last week of “another commotion” at Petaling Street if the demands made during the earlier rally were not met.

The group wants the government to stop the alleged sale of counterfeit goods in the area, for traders to share a portion of their income with other races, and what they call "the prevention of an ethnic monopoly" in the area.

High profile Malaysian politicians have condemned the Sept. 16 rally, accusing Prime Minister Najib Razak and his ruling ethnic Malay-based party of being behind it.

Selangor Chief Minister Azmin Ali has said that it was clearly intended to shore up support for Razak's embattled United Malays National Organization.