Anti-graft rally: Minister insists need for consent to use Dataran Merdeka

Summary

• Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail defends the police’s directive for rally organisers to obtain permission from premises owners, as required by the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

• He emphasises that the act outlines the roles of organisers, participants, and police, including notifying authorities to facilitate the rally.

• He calls organisers to thoroughly review the act to ensure their responsibilities.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail dismissed the concerns expressed by organisers of an upcoming anti-graft rally about requirements imposed by the police.

The police instructed the organisers to get consent from the owners of the premises where they will gather.

Speaking to the media, Saifuddin questioned whether any public place could be considered ownerless.

“Does Dataran Merdeka have an owner? Yes, it does. So, seek permission from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) first.

“If it’s outside Sogo, get approval from the Sogo owner. That’s what the law requires,” he said.

Yesterday, the organisers of the Jan 25 anti-graft rally expressed surprise over the police directive to seek consent from premise owners.

The rally is to commence outside the Sogo shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur before proceeding to Dataran Merdeka.

Saifuddin elaborated that rally organisers should be fully aware of requirements in the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 when planning demonstrations.

“Under the act, the responsibilities of three parties are clearly defined: the police, the organisers, and the participants,” he said.

He explained that organisers must refer to the act to understand their duties, including the need to notify the police.

“Once notified, the police can fulfil their role, which is to facilitate the rally,” he added.

Requirements ‘clearly spelt out’

Saifuddin emphasised that if the organisers are familiar with these requirements, there should not be any complaints or questions about why certain provisions exist.

“It is all clearly spelt out in the act,” he said.

“For example, participants are not allowed to bring children to the rally. The act states that minors are prohibited, and doing so would be a violation.

“So, if children are brought along and the police take action, don’t later claim there is no freedom of assembly. The act already outlines this,” he explained.

In conclusion, Saifuddin urged organisers to review their responsibilities and those of the participants thoroughly.

“I am confident the police will exercise their authority in line with the act’s provisions,” he remarked.

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