Monday July 14, 2008 MYT 12:00:18 PM

Massive jams, Syed Hamid says sorry

The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Police roadblocks leading into the city caused massive jams throughout Monday morning, with Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar issuing an apology to the Malaysian public but reiterating that the police operations were undertaken in the interest of public security.

Most major roads leading to the city have been experiencing traffic congestion since Saturday, when police launched Ops Padam and mounted roadblocks at 12 entry points into the city.

Police roadblocks at entry-points into the city since Saturday caused massive jams in Kuala Lumpur on Monday morning. Police said they were preparing for illegal protests although Opposition parties denied they were planning any. - Starpic by Chan Tak Kong

Police said they were staving off an illegal gathering that Pakatan Rakyat was planning at Parliament or its grounds on Monday morning, in anticipation of a motion of no-confidence being filed against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Cabinet.

The police obtained a court order barring Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, his supporters and the public from holding any rally or participating in it within a 5km radius of the Parliament building.

Pakatan Rakyat leaders have denied they were planning any such gathering.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Syed Albar at Parliament House on Monday. - Starpic

The roadblocks are expected to continue until midnight on Monday or until further notice.