The 54 activists arrested at the anti-Goods and Services Tax (GST) sit-in at the Customs Department headquarters in Kelana Jaya last month will be charged for breaching the Peaceful Assembly Act tomorrow.

 

This will be the second round for the group to be hauled to court after another 25, including two parliamentarians, were charged over the sit-in on March 26.

 

According to sit-in coordinator, NGO Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (Jerit), bail is estimated at RM3,000 each, making the total a whopping RM162,000 for the whole group.

 

The group appealed for funds for those who would not be able to fork out the RM3,000 on its Facebook page last night.

 

This was confirmed by activist Jay Jay Denis who is among the 54 who will be charged on Thursday.

 

He said police had called him to inform him to present himself at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court.

 

“Police will request for at least RM3,000 bail...,” Jay Jay, who is also aide to DAP MP Charles Santiago, said in a tweet.

 

Others expected to be charged include PSM central committee member Rani Rasiah.

 

MPs risk losing seats

 

A total 79 people were arrested at the March 25 sit-in against the GST at the Customs Department, while three more were picked up during a vigil for the activists outside the Kelana Jaya police station.

 

On March 26, 25 claimed trial for charges under Section 21(1)(d) of the Peaceful Assembly Act, which gives police powers to disperse an assembly if participants appear to be committing an offence.

 

Among those earlier charged include Sungai Siput MP Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj, Kuala Krai MP Dr Hatta Ramli ( photo ) and PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan.

 

If convicted, the MPs face the possibility of losing their seats as the maximum fine is RM20,000.

 

An MP loses his Dewan Rakyat seat if sentenced to more than RM2,000 fine or two years’ jail or both.

GST came into effect on April 1 this year at an initial rate of six percent.

A coalition of civil society groups are organising a mass rally in Kuala Lumpur next Friday, which is Labour Day, to protest against the new tax.

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