Police Stiff on Assembly Permits: Kuala Lumpur Police Chief
Revised Notice Yet to Be Received from Organisers
Kuala Lumpur: The police are yet to receive a revised notice from the organisers of an assembly planned to be held at a shopping complex and Dataran Merdeka here tomorrow. The initial notice was returned as it did not include a copy of the venue owner’s or occupier’s consent.
Organisers’ Claim Rejected
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said that the organisers had submitted the notice earlier, but it was returned as it did not meet the requirements. "The notice was submitted within the required timeframe, but we asked for it to be completed and gave them time to resubmit with the necessary approval," he said. "As of today, we have not received the revised notice," he added.
Owner’s Consent Required
Addressing the organisers’ claim that the planned assembly locations do not require owner consent, Rusdi explained that under the law, any assembly requires the approval of the venue owner. He noted that Dataran Merdeka is owned by Kuala Lumpur City Hall, whose consent is needed. "While Dataran Merdeka and Padang Merbok are designated assembly locations, permission is still required as organisers may incur costs for any damage caused," he said.
Police Preparations
Rusdi added that police would monitor social media regarding the assembly and deploy 400 officers and personnel for the event tomorrow. No road closures are planned for now, but they remain subject to situational needs. The police chief also stressed that the organisers must adhere to the provisions of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
Background on Peaceful Assembly Act 2012
The Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 aims to provide for the peaceful assembly of people to promote democratic values and to ensure public order. The Act requires organisers to notify the authorities of their intention to hold a peaceful assembly, and to obtain permission from the relevant authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the police return the initial notice from the organisers?
A: The police returned the initial notice because it did not include a copy of the venue owner’s or occupier’s consent.
Q: What is the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012?
A: The Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 is a law that aims to provide for the peaceful assembly of people to promote democratic values and to ensure public order.
Q: What is the police’s stance on the assembly?
A: The police are yet to receive a revised notice from the organisers and are waiting for the necessary approval from the venue owner.