Bersih backs rally in Sabah, urges respect for freedom of assembly

Summary

• Bersih expresses support for the students’ rally in Sabah scheduled today

• The NGO urges authorities to respect the people’s right to freedom of assembly

• It also urges counter-rally organisers to hold their assembly at a separate location.

Bersih has voiced its support for Sabah student activists’ “Gempur Rasuah Sabah” rally, which is scheduled for today.

The NGO reminded all parties that the right to assemble and express opinions is enshrined under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

It emphasised that citizens have the right to voice their concerns and make demands peacefully within the framework of the law and human rights principles.

“The rally spearheaded by Sabah students reflects the people’s continued vigilance over government actions and their desire for a corruption-free administration,” said Bersih in a statement yesterday.

It was reported yesterday that the anti-corruption rally will proceed outside the Sabah State Administrative Building despite the police rejecting the event.

Sabah police chief Jauteh Dikun cited public order concerns in rejecting the rally.

He also explained that the venue was already used for the government’s Carnival Ria programme, adding that the anti-corruption rally had not received approval from the Kota Kinabalu City Hall.

Respect right to assemble

Unimpressed, the rally’s secretariat criticised Jauteh for his apparent lack of understanding of the Federal Constitution, particularly Article 10, which guarantees Malaysians the right to assemble.

The secretariat also noted reports of a counter-rally planned in response to the anti-corruption gathering.

While acknowledging the right of other parties to hold counter-rallies, Bersih urged its organisers to hold them at separate locations to prevent clashes and ensure public safety.

“All parties must remain civil and respect each other’s right to free expression,” Bersih added.

Jauteh refutes ‘rejection’ claims

Yesterday, Jauteh refuted claims that he denied the “Gempur Rasuah Sabah” rally the right to assemble.

He clarified to Malaysiakini that the police had requested the organiser to fulfil the requirements under Section 10 of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

“Actually, we did not reject it, but we requested them to fulfil the requirements outlined in Section 10 of the Peaceful Assembly Act, and so far, they have not complied,” Jauteh claimed.

Section 10 of the Act lists the information that should be given when notifying the police of an upcoming assembly - such as the purpose, date, time, and location of the assembly, the name of the person in charge, and information regarding any sound amplification equipment to be used.

Where applicable, it also requires organisers to provide a letter of consent from the venue’s owner and any additional documents requested by the police.

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