Are ‘red shirt’ protesters more likely to be on drugs than Bersih 4 participants?

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Opposition Lawmaker Suggests ‘Red Shirt’ Protesters More Likely to be Under the Influence of Drugs

An opposition lawmaker has asserted that anti-Bersih “red shirt” protesters exhibit a higher likelihood of being under the influence of drugs compared to those intending to participate in the Bersih 4 rally. This statement comes in response to concerns raised by a government minister regarding potential drug use among rally participants. The lawmaker also challenged the minister's assertion about a "silent majority" supporting the government and called for assurances of safety for Bersih 4 demonstrators.
Questioning Drug Influence Among Protesters

Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad directly addressed claims made by Umno minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, suggesting that the “red shirt” protesters, observed in video footage exhibiting aggressive behaviour such as growling, jumping, and striking each other with sticks, are more indicative of being under the influence of drugs. This contrasts with Tengku Adnan's earlier caution that participants in the Bersih 4 rally might be marching under the influence of drugs, drawing a parallel to the Low Yat riot incident.
Challenging the "Silent Majority" Narrative

Khalid Samad also disputed Tengku Adnan's characterisation of a "silent majority" that supposedly supports the government. The Umno secretary-general had stated that this "silent majority" is larger than street demonstrators and dismissed protesters as mere "empty tins." In response, DAP's Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua noted that 53 per cent of the electorate voted against Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 13th general election, implying that any "silent majority" would likely desire a change in government.
Demands for Safety and Inclusivity

Furthermore, Khalid Samad urged Tengku Adnan to provide a guarantee that participants in the Bersih 4 rally would not face harassment from the police. He also encouraged the minister to actively promote participation in the rally among individuals who hold dissenting views towards the government, suggesting that this would provide a clearer indication of public sentiment. PKR's Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar also clarified that the Low Yat Plaza race riot was unrelated to the Bersih 4 rally.

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Are ‘red shirt’ protesters more likely to be on drugs than Bersih 4 participants?

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