COMMENT If anything, there is a tell-tale sign that PAS's rally on Act 355 may be part of Umno’s strategy for the 14th general election, expected to be called within this year or latest by May 2018.

Instead of the usual treatment normally meted out to the Bersih movement, the Islamist party’s plan to rally PAS supporters appears to be somewhat well-received by inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar himself.

In other words, the police will facilitate the rally that is being organised by PAS. PAS, on the other hand, agrees to have it in a stadium if the Kuala Lumpur city mayor does not permit the Dataran Merdeka to be used for the rally.

My guess is that the rally will end up being held in a stadium, perhaps Titiwangsa Stadium or even Bukit Jalil Stadium, if there are indications that the turnout would be greater than expected. It could also be held in Dataran Merdeka, if there are advantages to the benefit of both Umno and PAS.

The rally may appear to be hyping up support for Act 355, but beyond the comprehension of PAS grassroots, there could be some political agenda behind it all. I am speculating, but we shall keep a close watch to see what happens.