PAS anticipates smooth, peaceful 'Gathering 355' tomorrow

PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang today gave the assurance that tomorrow's 'Gathering 355' at Padang Merbok in Kuala Lumpur organised by the party would be smooth and peaceful.

The gathering is in support of a Private Member's Bill to be brought by Abdul Hadi to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, better known as Act 355.

Abdul Hadi had tabled a motion in the Dewan Rakyat in November last year to seek the approval of the house to table the Private Member's Bill, but requested that the detailed explanation on the motion be made at the next meeting of the Dewan Rakyat.

Speaking to reporters after his weekly 'kuliah' (lecture) in Rusila here, Abdul Hadi said PAS had met government and security authorities over preparations for tomorrow's gathering in terms of the safety of the participants.

"The gathering has the approval of the security authorities. As such, the security forces will act against any provocation by irresponsible people.

"I hope PAS supporters will attend so as to fulfill our objective to support the amendments to Act 355 to empower the status of the Syariah Courts in the country's legal system," he said.

He also said that more than 200,000 people were expected to attend the gathering, including non-Muslims who supported the Bill.

"We invite all to attend. We are open for all of us to express our support to empower Islam and, at the same time, give non-Muslims the freedom to practise their beliefs.

"As of now, I can confirm that there will be government representatives at the gathering," he said.

The gathering is expected to begin at 2.30pm and end at 11pm, and will have several activities such as Q & A with speakers and speeches by NGO and government representatives as well as Abdul Hadi himself. -- BERNAMA