No banners touching on 3Rs, political parties, pensioners told
PETALING JAYA : Pensioners attending the mammoth rally at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur on May 31 have been instructed not to carry banners containing seditious content or references to race, religion, or royalty, collectively known as the 3Rs.
In a WhatsApp message to participants, spokesman Rafique Ahmad further reminded them to refrain from expressing messages for or against any political party, whether through banners, slogans or other means.
He said the banners should strictly address the revision of pensions as ordered by the Federal Court and call for the government to withdraw its appeal against a subsequent High Court order requiring the revision to be implemented.
'As for the pensioners from the armed forces, our demand is for the pensions to be revised and backdated for all those who retired before 2013, officially classify all ex-servicemen as veterans, and for the special monthly RM500 aid for non-pensioned veterans to be given without conditions,' he said.
Rafique also told them not to carry banners bearing caricatures of politicians or government leaders as this rally was not aimed at provoking anyone or any political party.
He said the organisers will ensure that the rally-goers, expected to number around 10,000 on the day, are disciplined and orderly. Participants have also been advised to bring their own garbage bags to avoid littering the area.
'Keeping the area as clean as possible and not disrupting any business activity is paramount.'
About 10,000 pensioners comprising ex-civil servants and army veterans are expected to converge on Dataran Merdeka on May 31 to protest the government's challenge on a High Court order to revise and backdate their pensions.
Dang Wangi police previously said they had taken note of their plans and 'did not state any objection', according to Rafique.
However, the cops reminded the organisers that they are authorised to take any action they deem fit during the event to ensure the gathering is orderly.
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