Hindering Anti Graft Rally Reflects Badly On Madani Govt Hassan Lfl Say

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It would not reflect well on the government if the authorities obstruct or hinder this Saturday’s anti-graft rally in Kuala Lumpur, said a PKR lawmaker and a lawyer.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim said that the Pakatan Harapan-led government, especially PKR, must remember that it built itself on the back of street movements and peaceful assemblies.
“Don’t forget Harapan’s, especially PKR’s history. Don’t forget who you are,” he said in a statement last night.
Separately Lawyers for Liberty director Zaid Malek said Harapan is being hypocritical by putting up obstacles for rally organisers.
“This tactic of imposing unlawful and unnecessary requirements is a tactic we have seen before under the old BN government, and it is sickening that it continues under the coalition government led by Harapan.
“During Bersih 4, Harapan leaders had condemned this same demand by police to obtain permission to enter Dataran Merdeka.
Zaid Malek“It is thus sheer hypocrisy for (Home Minister) Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and the Madani government to insist we now get permission to march to Dataran Merdeka,” he said in a statement today.
LFL is the legal adviser to Sekretariat Rakyat Benci Rasuah, which is organising Saturday’s rally.
Police requirement
The criticism is in response to police requiring the organisers to get permission from premises owners for the protest march, which will begin outside Sogo shopping mall and end at Dataran Merdeka.
Saifuddin yesterday affirmed the police’s demands, saying that those locations were not public spaces and that they had owners - namely Sogo and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) - whose permission is required for compliance with the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
The rally organisers have been critical of both the government and opposition for their handling of corruption cases.
They have also positioned themselves as responding to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s call for youths to reject corruption.
Both Saifuddin and Anwar have attended protests at Dataran Merdeka which were deemed in violation of the PAA, including the May 1, 2014 anti-GST rally.
Right to peacefully assemble
Zaid was adamant that Dataran Merdeka and the road in front of Sogo would fall under the definition of public spaces in the act.
Saifuddin Nasution IsmailHe then chastised police for not cooperating and refusing to respond to requests by the organisers to have a meeting to discuss the rally.
Zaid also criticised police for warning the public against joining the rally.
“The police have no power to declare an assembly unlawful; the PAA only requires a notice be given and this duty is only imposed on the organisers.
“Even if there is non-compliance with regards to the notice, this does not affect the right of anyone who would want to peacefully assemble,” he said.
Hassan (above) said the government and authorities must facilitate peaceful protests and respect their constitutional rights to do so.
“What is the danger of a gathering of youths and civil society who want to express their hate for corruption?” he asked. - Mkini

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