The organisers of last week's red shirt rally snubbed the Human Rights Commission's (Suhakam) efforts to discuss their plans, the watchdog revealed today.
"The commission regrets that its efforts to actively engage the organisers of the 'Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu' public assembly prior to the event were unsuccessful and/or ignored.
"However, such a failure in our view, shall not affect one’s right to assemble peacefully," Suhakam chairperson Hasmy Agam said in a statement today.
This is in contrast, he said, with the organisers of Bersih 4, who met with the commission to discuss their arrangements.
The red shirts rally was organised by the National Silat Federation (Pesaka) in response to alleged “insults to Malay dignity” by Bersih supporters.
Despite not having their request entertained, Suhakam still sent observers to monitor the rally.
In the rally's aftermath, Hasmy released a statement condemning racially charged placards carried by the red shirts, as well as the fracas between protesters and police in Petaling Street.
"Advocacy of racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence should be prohibited by law," he had said.
'Don't undermine police'
Hasmy's remarks today was in response to a statement by the Centre for Human Rights Research and Advocacy (Centhra) and Young Professionals (YP), which said Suhakam failed to prevent human rights violations at the rally.
The groups were referring to the police's move to bar protesters from marching through Petaling Street and the use of water cannons to disperse the persistent marchers.
The Suhakam chair, however, said that the duty to protect human rights lies with the government.
He added police are permitted to disperse an assembly in circumstances where there will be violence and damage to property.
"The commission cautions all parties to not undermine the role of the police and authorities in maintaining peace, law and order, even where public assemblies are concerned," Hasmy said.
He also pointed out that the commission had not received any complaints alleging human rights violations during the rally on Sept 16.
45,000 people flocked to Kuala Lumpur to join the rally that day.
Two police officers and several protestors were injured during the standoff at Petaling Street, and CCTV footage shows a group of men in red trying to break the shutters of a hotel.
Hotel Seri Pacific reportedly also sustained damages, after they barred protestors from using the toilet there when they started lounging at the hotel lobby.
Two protestors were arrested at the rally, and police say they tested positive for drugs.
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, however, said the rally proved that Malays could gather peacefully without provocation.
Related reports
MCA condemns Taylor's tit-for-tat as 'racism'
Why ISA when detention without trial stays in force?
Muhyiddin: Ignore other races at your own peril
KJ and Co open fire, MCA rebel wing told to quit BN
Until the 513 truth is out, we'll still suffer 'hangover'
