Don’t drag royalty into politics

KOTA KINABALU: The illegal assembly in Kuala Lumpur yesterday was an attempt by the Opposition to drag royalty into their politics, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The opposition-led illegal gathering involving some 4,000 people ended with a memorandum being handed over to Istana Negara. The memorandum called for free and just elections.

It was an attempt to “trap” the Yang DiPertuan Agong, Abdullah said.

"I believe the King is mature, and the royalty will not be trapped into their (the opposition's) politics," he said after opening the 22nd Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) congress here on Sunday.

Abdullah said the illegal gathering was also a gimmick by the Opposition to garner support ahead of the general election widely expected to be held early next year.

The gathering was organised by The Coalition for Clean and Fair Election (Bersih), a group of 60 non-governmental organisations supported by five Opposition parties.

Abdullah said police had acted responsibly and were efficient in ensuring public order during the illegal gathering.