KUALA LUMPUR – Six PKR Youth members, who were involved in a demonstration at the Pasar Seni LRT last Saturday, are being investigated under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
Among those questioned at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters here today were PKR Youth chief Adam Adli, Petaling Jaya PKR Youth chief Bryan Ng Yih Miin, and student bureau chairman Syamil Luthfi.
Also hauled in were Kota Baru PKR Youth committee member Afiq Ayob, as well as party candidates, Arham Nasution and Farah Ariana.
The group was represented by lawyers Kamil Munim, Chermaine Thoo Suet Mei, and Rabiatul Adawiyah Sulaiman.
Rabiatul told reporters waiting outside that the individuals are being investigated under Section 9(5) of the act for failing to notify police of the gathering.
“Those questioned today gave their full cooperation with police and will continue to do so if they are called in again.”
Stressing that police investigation into the gathering is a form of “continuous intimidation”, Adam said they should not have been summoned in the first place, as the right to gather is enshrined in the constitution.
“Stop suppressing the voice of the people who are speaking out against the injustices they are facing.
“It would be more beneficial to look into cases of abuse of power and corruption instead.”
Similarly, Syamil pointed out that the protest on Saturday was simply a means for students and youth to voice their frustrations with the alleged lack of substantive action by the government.
“The gathering was not held to go against the government, but was instead a way for us (students and youth) to show our solidarity with people who are struggling to survive with the rising cost of goods.”
He was the only one in the group who had spoken during the protest, while Adam had shown up only as the crowd dispersed.
It is understood that several more individuals from youth groups will be called in on Wednesday to give their statements to police regarding the same event.
Organised by a coalition of youth activist groups, the hour-long gathering saw about 100 attendants and was closely monitored by approximately 50 police officers. – The Vibes, July 4, 2022
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