IGP: State police to decide ban on political ceramah

Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan said it is up to the respective state police to decide on whether a ban should be imposed on political ceramah following the political turmoil in Perak.

When contacted, he said the issuance of permits for the gatherings should be referred to the state police chiefs as they are responsible for the safety of their states.

Perak has been enveloped in a political turmoil after Barisan Nasional seized control of the state last week.

Musa was responding to a PKR leader's allegation that the police have banned political rallies nationwide following the Perak turmoil.

PKR supreme council member Badrul Hisham Shaharin has accused the police of cancelling a ceramah permit in Bayan Baru, Penang on Sunday in view of the situation in Perak.

The ceramah was supposed to take place at a field near Sungai Nibong Tengah but after the permit was cancelled, the venue was shifted to nearby house belonging to a Pakatan Rakyat supporter.

The police's directive to clamp down on rallies comes at a time when Pakatan Rakyat is engaged in a series of daily roadshows throughout the state to explain their position to the masses.

The menteri besar's residence is also a regular hive for ceramah attended by thousands.

Ban would be unfair

In an immediate reaction, Perak PAS deputy commissioner Asmuni Awi told Malaysiakini that a ban on ceramah would be unfair.

"The authorities should give us an opportunity to defend ourselves in form of a ceramah as certain media organisations are slandering us," he said.

"A ban won't do any good for the state of Perak but it will cause more dissatisfaction and cause the situation to deteriorate," he added.

Pokok Assam DAP state rep Yee Sue Kai said that the right to information was a basic human right enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

"Having public gatherings is a form of democratic process. We are trying to inform the public about what is happening and the police should not deny the public their right to information, said the lawyer.