Leader of the controversial ‘red shirts’ Mohd Ali Baharom issues a warning in Kuala Lumpur that Malacca ‘won't be safe’ during its rally there on October 10, 2015. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — Malacca police will question Mohd Ali Baharom, popularly known as Ali Tinju, for allegedly spreading public fear with his warning that Malacca Raya will be unsafe during a rally planned for this Saturday.

Malacca police chief Datuk Chuah Ghee Lye said his force is currently investigating Ali Tinju’s claim, but did not specify when the former soldier would be called in.

Chuah told the Malay Mail Online that action will also be taken against those attending the rally as it does not comply with the necessary 10-day notice required by public assembly laws.

“We are investigating his statement and we are looking into calling him for questioning.

“Any party or anybody who wants to hold a rally in any part of Malacca need to inform the police 10 days in advance as stipulated under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) and we will treat any gatherings that breach this law as unlawful,” he told Malay Mail Online when contacted.

Chuah said that the state police will mobilise enough resources to prevent any untoward incidents at Malacca Raya this Saturday.

He also criticised the #Merah169 protesters for announcing a public rally in the state for this Saturday, the day of Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob’s investiture ceremony.

The rally will also be in proximity to schools where students are expected to attend National Sports Day events the same day.

“That day is the investiture ceremony for the state Governor, so any rally held then is just disrespectful,” he added.

Earlier today, Ali Tinju said that as many as 10,000 #Merah169 followers will descend on Malacca this Saturday to rally for what its proponent described today as justice for a Malay Immigration officer allegedly beaten by Chinese gangsters last week.

He warned that Malacca Raya, the location where the officer was said to have been assaulted, “would not be safe”.

It was reported that a group of men had attacked 19 immigration enforcement officers over a raid the team had conducted on an entertainment outlet on September 30.

On October 3, English daily New Straits Times reported that five suspects have been arrested to facilitate investigations while Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the police were on the hunt for more individuals linked to the case.