Police Officer Injured In Scuffle Outside Parliament

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Police have confirmed that an officer has sustained injuries from the scuffle which happened during a memorandum submission outside Parliament this morning.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said in a statement today that a report has been lodged following the incident, and that an investigation paper has also been opened under Section 353/427 of the Penal Code.
“The Royal Malaysia Police is committed to playing the role of a facilitator and respects the rights of the people to voice their opinions and gather peacefully and orderly, in line with the democratic values practised in this country.
“This provision is under the Federal Constitution and should be used wisely and prudently. Stern action will be taken against individuals or groups who cause chaos or extreme provocation.
“The police are always committed to ensuring that safety around Kuala Lumpur is always under control,” he added.
The police described the incident this morning as a “provocation” from the group submitting the memorandum, and that members of the group were seen “ramming police officers on duty” in a viral video.
In the video seen 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. PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan was also seen falling to the ground.
In the video, protesters were heard shouting “Jangan tolak” (Don’t push), “Henti” (Stop), and “so aggressive”. After Arutchelvan got up, the police were seen attempting to block him and several others from marching further.
Right to gather peacefully
Arutchelvan said such incidents should not have happened, as the people have the right to gather peacefully outside Parliament.
Arutchelvan, along with hundreds of plantation workers, had marched from Taman Tugu to Parliament to submit a memorandum urging the government to enact a law that would require plantation companies to build housing for their workers.
The memorandum was handed over to Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M Kulasegaran, a representative of the second deputy prime minister, and Perikatan Nasional chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan.
Arutchelvan explained that, as far back as the era of former prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein, a scheme had been established requiring plantation companies to build housing for plantation workers.
However, due to the absence of a specific law, plantation companies have not complied with this requirement. - Mkini

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