In a statement issued today, Jamal claimed the electoral reform group was using students as it feared its planned rally, Bersih 5, would be a flop.

“I advise students not to get involved with the #TangkapMO1 rally, which seems as though it has no end or motive.”

He did not give any evidence to prove his claims.

He pointed out that police had already warned against holding the rally as it could disrupt public order.

“The rally was deliberately arranged to be held at Dataran Merdeka where people are to celebrate Merdeka. Therefore, I hope students will not be influenced by the pressure to have this illegal demonstration.”

He also expressed worry over the risks that students might face should they attend the rally.

“Students should not be tools used by Opposition parties for dirty political gains which seek to violate democracy in this country.”

Jamal has styled his “Red Shirts” movement as a foil to any public protest by Bersih 2.0, following his part in the Sept 16 rally last year after the Bersih 4 rally on Aug 29 to 30.

He has also pledged to gather as many as 300,000 people at the same time, date and venue of Bersih 5.

The #TangkapMO1 rally is being organised by a coalition of student groups and is scheduled for tomorrow at 2pm.

Protesters are supposed to meet in the city centre at Sogo and Masjid Negara before marching to Dataran Merdeka. The rally is aimed at pressuring the authorities to take action against the so-called “Malaysian Official 1” mentioned in lawsuits filed by the US Department of Justice recently.