Protesters Plan to Gather in Front of Sogo Shopping Mall Ahead of March to Dataran Merdeka
Home Minister’s Remarks on Anti-Graft Rally Deemed "Ignorant and Reckless"
Protesters are expected to gather in front of the Sogo shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur before marching to Dataran Merdeka. In preparation for the anti-graft rally planned for this weekend, protesters are expected to gather in front of the Sogo shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur before marching to Dataran Merdeka.
Legal Adviser Criticizes Home Minister’s Remarks
The legal adviser of the anti-graft rally, Zaid Malek, has hit out at Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail for saying that permission must be obtained to hold the gathering outside the Sogo department store in Kuala Lumpur, calling the remarks "ignorant and reckless".
"It defies both logic and law," Zaid said in a statement. "Following this absurd logic, no public gathering can take place in Malaysia so long as surrounding building owners object to it."
Questioning the Government’s Stance on Corruption
Zaid also asked why the government should be so afraid of an anti-corruption rally "when they have made a boast of fighting corruption". He questioned the government’s stance on corruption, saying that it is contradictory to the claims made by the Home Minister.
The Peaceful Assembly Act and the Law
Zaid also pointed out that the police have no power to declare an assembly unlawful, adding that the law only requires that notice be given. He stated that even in the event of non-compliance with regards to the notice, it would not affect the right of anyone who wished to peacefully assemble.
The Secretariat’s Compliance with the PAA
He said that in any event, the secretariat had fully complied with the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA), and the matter of permission from the owner or occupier of the premises did not arise as the rally would be held in public space.
Condemning the Home Minister’s Remarks
"The police and home minister are both deliberately ignoring the provisions of PAA," he said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the anti-graft rally?
A: The purpose of the anti-graft rally is to protest against corruption and demand greater accountability from the government.
Q: What is the location of the rally?
A: The rally will take place outside the Sogo shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, before marching to Dataran Merdeka.
Q: What is the stance of the government on the rally?
A: The government has expressed concerns over the rally, stating that permission must be obtained from the owner of the Sogo department store.
Q: What is the response of the anti-graft rally organizers?
A: The organizers have rejected the government’s condition, stating that it contravenes the Peaceful Assembly Act and ignores the provisions of the law.