Police have threatened to arrest those attending the Penang state government's events in Sungai Nibong and Seberang Jaya tonight.

NONE Penang Police Chief Ayub Yaakob (right) has linked the two functions to the controversial Bersih 2.0 roadshows, describing it as an "illegal assembly".

The simultaneous events will be held at the Pesta site in Penang and Expo site in Seberang Jaya at 8pm.

Ayub has obtained a Magistrate's Court order to stop the two separate events, which the state government had earlier said are "official functions" , needing no permit.

He added that the order had been obtained under Section 98 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) yesterday morning.

He claimed that he had spoken to the state government officials regarding the ban on the rallies, asking the latter to cancel them.

Flying under illegal flag charge

"The Bersih coalition is an illegal organisation. Thus Bersih-related events and activities are classified as illegal.

"The people should refrain from attending these illegal gatherings, which are being organised as part of a prelude road show to the July 9 gathering in Kuala Lumpur," Ayub said.

Meanwhile, Pantai Jerejak assemblyperson Sim Tze Tsin criticised Ayub for his "over-reaction" to the state's intended outreach programme, when similar ones have been frequently organised in the past.

Sim, who is PKR Bayan Baru chief, said such activities have taken place without hassle over the three years since the Pakatan Rakyat coalition took thestate government took over the leadership.

"The events have always run smoothly. Moreover, they are always organised in the confines of state government premises," he said.

"We do not need any permit for this. We do not need to be alarmed or (for police to take) high-handed (actions)," he added.

"However, if the police are interested (in offering help) we can help them to arrange it," he quipped.

Bersih rally a hanging question

Speakers tonight include Pakatan heavyweights such as Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his deputy I Mohamed Sabu, PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, vice-presidents Nurul Izzah Anwar and NGO activist Toh Kin Woon.

According to Sim, Bersih chief Ambiga Sreenavesan has been invited to attend tonight's do.

However, the topics raised in the ceramahs (political talks) will include economy, investment and price hike, pertinent issues affecting the people.

NONE When asked if it would be a Bersih rally, Sim ( left ) merely said "Let the speakers decide in their speeches".

"Besides the ceramahs, there are cultural performances in our programme, it would be some sort of a carnival," he added.

He then whacked MCA president Chua Soi Lek for discouraging the Malaysian Chinese community from participating in Bersih.

"The Chinese have taken part in every important incident and significant turning point in Malaysia since 1957 (Merdeka)...they would never want to miss such an opportunity," he said.

"Learn from Ambiga and do not be trapped in the same situation without moving forward," he told Chua.

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