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 respect the court order, our meeting tomorrow will be cancelled,” Ng was quoted as saying.
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.
Kajang district police chief Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yussof said police reports had been made across the country to stop the congress.
“The court order was delivered to them at 5pm today.
“Police urge all the involved parties and the public not to attend the congress or any other congress held to counter this (Dong Zong) meeting,” he said.
It warned that the police would take strict action against any parties which refused to do so.
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.
Ahmad Dzaffir added that five roads will remain closed between 11am to 5pm tomorrow from Kuala Lumpur heading to Seremban via Jalan Bukit; the traffic light intersection at Jalan Changkat and Jalan Bukit, the traffic light intersection at Jalan Bukit Indah and Jalan Bukit; the intersection between Jalan Jati and Jalan Bukit; as well as the intersection between the Silk Highway and Jalan Bukit.
“Roads will be closed to ensure compliance with the court order,” Ahmad Dzaffir was quoted as saying.
Dong Zong had planned to hold a meeting involving 1,000 representatives of Chinese associations and other interested parties tomorrow between 1pm and 3pm.
The meeting was a response to the government’s decision to prevent vernacular schools’ boards of directors from intervening in plans to implement Jawi lessons in schools.
Dong Zong had taken the stance that this violated the Education Act 1996 which empowers the boards of directors to make decisions for vernacular schools.
Dong Zong is the umbrella body for boards of directors of national-type Chinese schools in the country.
Several groups had accused Dong Zong of “treachery” for objecting to the government’s plan to introduce Jawi in schools and planned protests against their meeting within the vicinity of the venue.
One group, the Gabungan Mahasiswa Islam Se-Malaysia (Gamis), said Dong Zong’s meeting might result in a repeat of the May 13 race riots.
Related reports:
Dec 27, Dong Jiao Zong: Opposition to Jawi Based on Islamisation Fears
Dec 26, DAP Youth Lodge Reports Against Gamis over May 13 Remarks on Dong Zong