Selangor police chief Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah denied that police allowed both BN and Pakatan Rakyat to hold activities at close proximity that sparked the scuffle during the PKR ceramah in Gombak three days ago.

According to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (PAA), Tun Hisan said the police no longer regulate gatherings as Section 27 of the Police Act 1967 has been replaced with the PAA.

NONE Tun Hisan (right in photo ) explained that under Section 9 of the PAA, the organiser of any public gathering is responsible for informing the police beforehand.

Hence, he dismissed the allegation that police allowed both parties to hold their activities close to each other.

"That's not true. After Section 27 of the Police Act was replaced with the PAA, police don't regulate (gatherings) anymore, they should inform to the police (before a gathering is held)," he told Malaysiakini on the sidelines of a press conference held at Ampang Jaya police district headquarters today.

However, Tun Hisan refused to comment on which party had failed to comply with the law, stressing that the matter would be investigated.

According to Section 9 of PAA, the organiser must inform the police 10 days before any gathering is held. Failure to comply means facing a maximum fine of RM10,000.

Nuturing mature society

During the press conference, Tun Hisan advised all political parties to adhere to the law and inform the police before holding any ceramah.

NONE "The government has already passed the PAA, so please gather peacefully to construct a mature society.

"If you want to hold a gathering, please inform the police, according to Section 9 of the PAA.

"So, if you do that (we will be a) mature society, the police can ensure safety and regulate traffic, and the gathering will be peaceful. This is the mature society we want. Don't create politics of hatred," Tun Hisan added.

He also said that the Gombak police are investigating the case, and to date, more than five statements had been recorded.

Tun Hisan also dismissed public criticism that the police have not done anything about the many instances of political violence in recent times.

"Who are the 'public' who didn't see (actions taken by the police)? We investigate, we arrest and prosecute the parties who undermine the public order.

"How can you say you didn't see this? Don't you read the newspapers?" he asked.

Two supporters of Pakatan Rakyat and one BN backer were injured in the scuffle during a ceramah given by on PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim in Gombak on Tuesday night.

NONE Both the BN and Pakatan are pointing fingers at each other, each blaming the other for triggering the violence.

Gombak Umno Youth chief Megat Zulkarnain said in a video interview with KLpos.com that they were holding a briefing in the Umno branch building, right opposite the place the Pakatan ceramah was going on.

Megat Zulkarnain claimed that the Pakatan supporters started the provocation by throwing stones at Umno Youth members.

However, Gombak PKR division deputy chief Amirudin Shari condemned the Umno Youth at scene, saying that they came to provoke and disturb the ceramah first, hurling stones at the Pakatan supporters.

Meanwhile, Gombak deputy police chief Supt Rosly Hassan said that the case is being investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code for possession of dangerous weapons.

 

azlan