The Malaysian Insight

POLICE have obtained a court order to stop Chinese education group Dong Jiao Zong from holding its controversial congress tomorrow on lessons about Jawi in vernacular schools. 

Dong Jiao Zong secretary-general Ng Chai Heng confirmed that the group had received the order prohibiting the gathering in Kajang.

“We have just received the court order. We are currently discussing what to do,” he told The Malaysian Insight, adding that for now, the event is off.

“We respect the court order, our meeting tomorrow will be cancelled.” 

A court granted the order on the basis that police intelligence indicated a riot will break out if the congress proceeds.

“As such, the presence of a crowd at New Era College tomorrow is prohibited,” the order said. 

In a separate statement, Kajang district police said it obtained the court order at 3pm.

It said everyone associated with the event should stay away and any counter-gathering by any group or organisation is also barred.

“Many reports had been made nationwide about this congress. To ensure public security and keep the peace,  police applied for a court order to prevent any disorder to public security,” it said. 

It said it will not hesitate to take action against anyone who disobeyed the order.

The order comes as Malay groups today said it planned to hold demonstrations against the congress.

Angkatan Gerak Minda Malaysia (Agra) and Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS) and Malay rights group Perkasa, had planned to rally in front of the New Era College on Saturday to protest and stop the congress.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had warned Dong Jiao Zong that its insistence on holding the gathering could lead to repercussions.

Malay pressure groups have also mounted court challenges for vernacular schools to be shut down on constitutional grounds.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim also called on Dong Jiao Zong and other factions, including Malay organisations, not to hold any event on the issue. – December 27, 2019.