KUALA LUMPUR: Ahead of the "Save Malaysia" rally on Saturday, a secretariat has been formed so as to be "more inclusive".
In a statement, the Save Malaysia Movement Secretariat said it was comprised of political parties, non-governmental organisations and individuals who have the same principles.
"A meeting was held last night (Wednesday) in which it was agreed that a 'save Malaysia Movement Secretariat would be formed which will be more inclusive in efforts to restore the integrity and dignity of the country which has been tarnished by the dropping of the corruption case against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi," it said.
The secretariat urged the public to join the rally, which is now set to be held in Kampung Baru, not far from the earlier venue, in front of the Sogo shopping complex in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.
The rally was initiated by Perikatan Nasional to protest the discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) granted to Zahid on 47 corruption-related charges over the alleged misappropriation of funds belonging to Yayasan Akal Budi, a foundation which had founded.
A DNAA is a stop to court proceedings which would, however, stll allow the prosecution to file charges against the accused in the future.
If the court had discharged and acquitted Zahid, he would be protected by the "double jeopardy" rule, meaning that he cannot be charged over the same alleged offence or anything related to it.
The rally organisers, however, have urged the public to join rally, which it said will be attended by "top leaders" of political parties and NGOs.
"We invite all Malaysians who are against corruption and reject the impunity of corrupt individuals to join us in a peaceful gathering," the secretariat said, adding that participants should wear white shirts and carry the national flag.
The organisers, however, have not applied for permission to carry out the rally, as confirmed by Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid on Wednesday.
On Monday, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay had warned that police will take stern action against the organisers and participants of the rally.