Pm Affirms Public S Right To Protest Outside Parliament Fahmi

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has rejected a proposal to move peaceful assemblies from in front of Parliament to Padang Merbok, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
According to Fahmi, who is also the Madani government spokesperson, Anwar stressed that Malaysians have the right to assemble anywhere, including in front of Parliament.
“Following a series of peaceful assemblies in front of Parliament, there have been discussions among MPs and the cabinet on the appropriateness of creating a special place, such as Padang Merbok, for the public to gather to express their views or submit memorandums.
“However, the prime minister has stressed and taken the position that gatherings in front of Parliament should not be prevented,” he told a press conference in Putrajaya after the weekly cabinet meeting.
However, he added that Anwar has requested that attention be given to security and traffic management so that the movement of MPs and officials into Parliament will not be disrupted.
Communications Minister and government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil“The prime minister stressed, first, that gatherings can continue in front of Parliament. It is not a problem. 
“We just need to ensure that the entry and exit routes are controlled and managed well, with the cooperation of the police,” he said.
Fahmi said Anwar had also instructed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa to examine the condition of Padang Merbok and make improvements to the fences around the area, so that it could be better used by members of the public who wish to gather there.
“For further information on the status of Padang Merbok, you can refer to Zaliha,” he added.
‘Scuffle due to coordination lapses’
Commenting on recent incidents, Fahmi admitted that there were weaknesses in terms of coordination and information, which caused several ministers and MPs to be stuck in traffic jams for almost an hour.
“The prime minister stressed that peaceful assemblies in front of Parliament can continue, but security and traffic control aspects need to be given priority. 
“The recent issue occurred due to a lack of coordination and a lack of information,” he said.
Protesters and police personnel outside Parliament on Aug 13
He was referring to a commotion outside Parliament that occurred on Aug 13, during which a scuffle between protesters and the police resulted in PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan falling to the ground and an injured police officer.Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus reportedly said that a police report had been made and an investigation paper had been opened under Section 353/427 of the Penal Code.
In a video sighted by Malaysiakini, a scuffle broke out between several estate workers and the police, after authorities were seen attempting to prevent a march to the Parliament gates.
The march was to submit a memorandum urging the government to enact laws requiring plantation companies to provide housing for their workers.
Tribunal for bullying still in early stages
Speaking on another matter, Fahmi said that the proposal brought by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said to establish a tribunal to address bullying cases is still at the discussion stage.
“She has given verbal feedback and requested some time to prepare the relevant documents before it is tabled again in a cabinet meeting,” he said.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman SaidFahmi also announced that a session will soon be held to coordinate various government agencies in an effort to comprehensively address the issue of bullying.
He said this would involve the Education Ministry, Defence Ministry (due to its oversight of the Royal Military College), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) (as the body that oversees Mara Science Junior Colleges), the police, the Attorney-General’s Chambers, and the MCMC.
He said coordination efforts are needed due to the recent amendments to Section 507 of the Penal Code, which now classifies bullying as a crime.
“So the standard operating procedures and several related guidelines need to be understood together by all institutions,” he said.
According to Fahmi, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that there has been no recent development regarding specific measures to address the issue of bullying in schools.
Education Minister Fadhlina SidekRegardless, he said, there is an understanding to hold this coordination session this year.
“This issue cannot be addressed with different approaches between institutions. If in one place the SOP is like this, in another place it is different, that makes it difficult to have integrated action.
“So the prosecution aspect, the security aspect, and coordination require the involvement of many parties.
“Because of that, this session is important and will be held in the near future,” he explained.
‘More Jalur Gemilang content positive sign’
Fahmi then spoke on the issue of flag blunders, saying that the cabinet had already discussed such matters in previous meetings.
However, he interpreted the issue positively, saying it showed an increase in patriotism.
“I see in the algorithm for TikTok and other social media, content about the Jalur Gemilang is increasing, showing the people’s creativity in fuelling the national spirit.
“In government premises, shopping malls, and other public places, flag hoisting activities are also becoming more lively, and usually in the last week of Independence Month (August), there will be a surge,” he said.
He reminded members of the public not to take matters into their own hands if they see a Jalur Gemilang hoisted incorrectly and to leave the matter to the authorities.
“If you see the flag upside down, tilted, or hoisted carelessly, do not take action outside the law.
“I myself have helped fix a neighbour’s flag that was tilted. We must take that attitude to help, not punish,” he said. 
Fahmi stressed that people should not be afraid to fly the Jalur Gemilang, but should be proud to do so as a sign of love for the country. - Mkini

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