POLICE have blocked off roads leading to Little India in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur to prevent people from gathering after a rally to protest controversial preacher Zakir Naik was called off.

Roads were closed since this morning and vehicles are barred from the area, leaving the popular tourist spot quieter than usual on a Saturday, with people going in and out shops and eateries on foot.

The ‘Say No to Zakir Naik’ rally was scheduled for 2pm, but organiser Shankar Ganesh Siridharan called it off earlier today, saying PKR president Anwar Ibrahim had urged him to do so.

Despite Shankar’s decision, there were WhatsApp messages being circulated among small groups and between individuals earlier today, urging people to show up.

The rally today was to express the Malaysian Indian community’s sentiments about Zakir, who allegedly insulted Malaysian Hindus during a talk he gave in Kota Baru, Kelantan earlier this month.

The rally today was also meant to protest other issues, such as the teaching of khat calligraphy to Year 4 pupils in Tamil and Chinese vernacular schools, as well as Indian poverty and marginalisation.

A florist who did not want to be named told The Malaysian Insight that the area had been peaceful since the dispersal of another rally yesterday evening.

He was referring to the Puratchi protest by mostly Malaysian Indians against the teaching of khat calligraphy to Year 4 Tamil and Chinese school pupils.

“Puratchi” means “revolution” in Tamil.

The florist, who has been operating his shop in Brickfields for more than 20 years, said he was certain no rally would happen.

“It is not going to happen. I know there were messages going around but it is peaceful here.

“The police have been here since early morning. They have closed the roads to avoid any unwanted incident. So far, all is okay here.”

Asked if he agreed with the protest, the man said it was not right to hold one when “things are still heated”.

“There are several things that I agree with, but things are still heated. It is better for them to hold a dialogue rather than to show dissatisfaction on the streets.”

Two men were taken in by police for questioning after yesterday’s anti-khat rally.

Chief coordinator of the Puratchi rally Umagandhan Krishnan and Malaysia Chinese-Educated Students’ Association chairman Tan Boon Tak were released at noon today after spending a night in police custody.

Acting Brickfields OCPD Arifai Tarawe confirmed their release when contacted.

A police officer on duty in Brickfields today said they were taking precautions despite the cancellation of today’s rally.

“We have to take precautions by blocking the roads. We are aware that they have agreed to cancel but we cannot take our chances,” said an officer with the rank of superintendent. – August 24, 2019.