An anti-rape rally scheduled to take place on Sunday suffered a setback today because police have refused to issue the organiser, the All Women's Action Society (Awam), a permit for an outdoor march.

As a response, Awam co-ordinator for the event, Maria Abdullah, said the venue has been changed from the Bangsar Shopping Complex to the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre.

When contacted for details, Maria said Awam was disappointed with the decision of the Brickfields police to reject the application even though the rally has the supporte of Women and Family Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. ( photo )

"The minister will be attending the gathering and campaigning with us against rape and violence. But even then, the police have not agreed to give us their permission," Maria said.

The rally, themed 'Citizens Against Rape: Make Public Places Safe - Towards a Violence-Free Community' was planned in response to public outrage over the rising incidence of sex crimes against women, recently highlighted by the kidnap and murder of Canny Ong.

The event was initially to include a march along Jalan Maarof from the Bangsar Shopping Complex to Jalan Telawi.

Canny Ong was kidnapped from the carpark of the shopping complex on June 13, and her body was discovered off Old Klang Road four days later.

Petition and leafleting

Maria said activities planned for Sunday will still go ahead as scheduled at the Mid Valley exhibition hall (on the 3rd floor) between 3:30pm and 5pm.

According to a programme sheet faxed to malaysiakini , Awam president Dr Mary Cardosa and Sharizat are both to make short speeches before presentations are made by several individuals (including friends of Canny Ong) who have suffered sexual violence or who are acquainted with rape survivors.

Maria added that Awam would also be passing out leaflets on rape facts and launching an anti-rape petition.

"We were expecting about 1,000 people for the march. We hope that we will attract the same number although we have to hold the event now at a indoor location," she said.

The rally will include participation by other civil society groups and organisations, such as the Malaysian Trades Union Congress women's section and Amnesty International's Malaysia chapter.

Although Awam has received strong support from the public and corporate sponsors for the event, Maria urged more non-government organisations to join in the effort.

"NGOs have not been too forthcoming. We are a bit amazed about that because we had expected more organisations to respond to us," she said.