Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has conceded that the Sept 16 red shirt rally is now legal as the organisers have got permission from KL City Hall (DBKL) to gather at Padang Merbok.

However, Khalid said, he still does not agree with the planned rally.

"It fulfils the requirement under the Peaceful Assembly Act, so even though I don't agree with it, but as long as it fulfils the requirements, then we have to facilitate it," he said.

Khalid was speaking at a press conference after delivering his keynote speech at the 'ICC-IMB International Meeting on Global Piracy, Armed Robbery and Maritime Security' in Kuala Lumpur today.

He lamented that just like the Bersih 4 rally, which took place over the National Day weekend, the red shirt rally seems to be ignoring whatever the police said.

"Same with Bersih. We say don't do, they still want to do," he said.

However, since it is now legal under the Peaceful Assembly Act, Khalid said, the police would be deploying "huge manpower" to ensure that the rally is carried out without any untoward incident.

His main concern is to ensure the safety and security of the people and public property, he said.

Marching not prohibited

Asked if the police would take action if the participants begin to march, he bemoaned the lack of any provisions in the Peaceful Assembly Act against marching.

"Surely I am unhappy but the Peaceful Assembly Act doesn't prohibit people from marching.

"So it just gives us more work to make sure that they don't break any law (if they march)," he explained.

Khalid also advised the rally organisers and participants against breaking laws as they would be held responsible for unlawful incidents during the rally.

"I ask them to prove their word that this will be a peaceful demonstration, that they will follow the law, and won't do anything to threaten the safety of the people," he said.

The police would be monitoring the rally, Khalid added, and action would be taken against those who say or do anything seditious.

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