KUALA LUMPUR – The Royal Malaysian Police have rejected an application to hold the Selamatkan Malaysia rally tomorrow due to the organisers leaving out certain details in their submission.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said among the details that were not included were the location and names of the rally organisers.
“We cannot accept the notice because the information provided is incomplete, so police cannot accept it.
“Previously, it was said that the rally would be held near a shopping centre in the capital, but the latest intelligence received by the police is that it would be held at one of the mosques in Kg Baru,” he said in a press conference held at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters here last night.
“That's not helping us because there is no clear decision from the organisers. This will make it difficult for many parties including road users,” he said, adding that public order was always the main priority for police.
“Police do not want to overreact and we will make the necessary preparations. I believe they are experienced individuals in organising these kinds of rallies, and understand the legal implications,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
The rally is being planned to protest the discharge not amounting to acquittal granted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in his Yayasan Akalbudi graft case.
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Human Rights, Elections and Institutional Reforms is expected to summon the present attorney-general and his immediate predecessor to provide explanations regarding the DNAA.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had said yesterday that those who chose September 16, which is Malaysia Day, to hold the rally do not respect the special day’s celebration, which is an occasion having significance in relation to the spirit of mutual respect and obedience of the law.
He said selecting that date clearly showed disrespect for the tolerance and unity between Malaysians of all races and religions.
“They also do not respect our friends in Sabah and Sarawak for which the date is very important to them. It is best not to choose September 16, because that is Malaysia Day,” he told reporters after attending the 2023 Anti-Human Trafficking Day celebration here yesterday.
He said police are aware of the rally and will act according to the law.
The media has reported that the rally tomorrow will start at Masjid Jamek Kg Baru in Kuala Lumpur.
On Wednesday, Kuala Lumpur police had said that they received a report regarding a video clip on social media that showed an individual calling on the people to join the demonstration.
The 55-second video showed a man inviting the public to join a demonstration on Malaysia Day and to wear white coloured shirts as a sign of support.
It has since been reported that police have received six reports regarding the organisation of the rally. – The Vibes, September 15, 2023
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