SEBERANG PERAI, Aug. 22 -- A small group of Umno supporters have started gathering outside the Magistrate's Court in Bukit Mertajam here from 7.30am this morning, to support party Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.

The group of over 100 stood outside the courthouse and held up banners with the words "Solidariti buat Dr Akmal Saleh".

The group, some holding large Jalur Gemilang, later accompanied Dr Akmal on a short march towards the courthouse at about 8.20am.

There was heavy police presence inareas aroundthe courthouse, most of the personnelarrivedat around 6am in anticipation ofa largecrowd.

The gates to the courthouse are also closed and only staff members, lawyers, media and those with pending cases in the court are allowed...