Ministers’ Stance on Anti-Corruption Rally Raises Questions
PETALING JAYA: Two federal ministers, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, have been urged to explain their "authoritarian opposition" to an anti-corruption rally that will be held today, in contrast to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s support of the event.
A Contradictory Stance
The civil society group Aliran said that the two ministers owe the public an explanation as to why their stance against the Himpunan Rakyat Benci Rasuah conflicts with Anwar’s endorsement. "For the rally organisers and advocates of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, this was the response they had hoped for from a government that was propelled to power on the back of past street protests," said Aliran.
The Rally’s Background
The rally’s organisers had been at loggerheads with the authorities over a requirement to obtain consent from Sogo and Kuala Lumpur City Hall for using public spaces as gathering points. However, Anwar yesterday said the government had "no problem" with the event as it had already granted permission for the gathering. "Go on, protest corruption … if you want to rally, go ahead and rally," he told reporters after Friday prayers.
Ministers’ Reactions
On Tuesday, Saifuddin rejected claims by the rally’s organisers that there was no legal basis to a condition set by the police for prior consent to be obtained from the owner or occupier of the place of assembly. On Wednesday, Fahmi, who is the government’s spokesman, said the rally organisers must adhere to the law and seek permission from the site owner in accordance with the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
City Police Chief’s Statement
City police chief Rusdi Isa said permission was needed as Dataran Merdeka had been gazetted as a venue for gatherings, with DBKL the designated owner of the venue.
Aliran’s Call for Explanation
The group said that if the two ministers maintained "an elegant silence" after being asked to explain, "many might think they ‘didn’t get the memo’ from the top." Rally-goers will first meet outside the Sogo shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur at 2.30pm before proceeding to Dataran Merdeka.
Conclusion
The contradictory stance of the two ministers has raised questions about the government’s commitment to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. The public is waiting for an explanation from the ministers on why their stance conflicts with Anwar’s endorsement of the rally.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the anti-corruption rally?
A: The rally aims to protest corruption and demand accountability from the government.
Q: Why is the government requiring prior consent from the owner or occupier of the place of assembly?
A: The government claims that it is necessary to ensure public safety and order.
Q: What is the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012?
A: The act regulates public assemblies and requires organisers to obtain permission from the relevant authorities.
Q: What is the reaction of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to the rally?
A: Anwar has endorsed the rally and said that the government has "no problem" with the event.