Banning Rally Will Dent Harapan S Credibility Says Dap Mp

---

DAP MP Lim Lip Eng has warned the government that any attempt to ban the anti-graft rally on Saturday would only tarnish Pakatan Harapan’s credibility.
“It will alienate our own supporters, creating an unnecessary political backlash,” the Kepong lawmaker told Malaysiakini today.
Earlier today, the rally secretariate announced that they would go ahead with the demonstration scheduled on Jan 25 despite police warning.
“The demonstration will happen and we demand the authorities to respect the people’s rights, not betray them.
“The police are supposed to facilitate public rallies instead of preventing them.
“We will not bow to intimidation and the people’s wave will take on those who abuse their powers,” they said.
Minister defends cops
Yesterday, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail defended the police’s action in the latter insisting that the rally organiser seek permission before gathering in Dataran Merdeka.
“Does Dataran Merdeka have an owner? Yes, it does. So, seek permission from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall first.
“If it’s outside Sogo, get approval from the Sogo owner. That’s what the law requires,” he was reported as saying.
Saifuddin Nasution IsmailElaborating, Lim said the right to assemble peacefully is a cornerstone of any democracy, adding the organisers of the upcoming rally are exercising their fundamental right.
“The authorities should reconsider their decision as banning the rally or targeting the organisers will send a troubling message about the Madani government’s commitment to democratic values,” he added.
Bersih and Suaram, in a joint statement earlier, also condemned the authorities for their action.
“What exactly are the authorities afraid of?” they asked, criticising the police for citing minor provisions, such as insufficient notification, in their attempt to halt the rally.
‘Remember your rallies?’
The Aliran executive committee said it was ironic that Harapan representatives were attempting to prevent a peaceful assembly.
The NGO pointed out that many government leaders from Harapan had participated in street protests in the past.
“These protests strengthened the reformasi movement.
“It is worth noting many current members of the Harapan coalition participated in these street protests, with some taking leading roles,” it said in a statement.
Aliran also said that if present restrictions were imposed in the past, the previous Bersih-led street protests against corruption, abuse of power and electoral issues would not have happened. - Mkini

---