What are you afraid of? Bersih, Suaram tell ministers to back anti-graft rally

Summary

• Suaram and Bersih call on Harapan ministers to stand in solidarity with the organiser of an anti-corruption rally set for this Saturday.

• The groups ask if the Dang Wangi police chief is being pressured to curb the rally.

• The two remind the ministers that it is an issue which they have fought for.

Bersih, known for its street protests that previous governments attempted to suppress, has condemned the authorities' efforts to block the upcoming anti-corruption rally scheduled for Jan 25 in Kuala Lumpur.

In a joint statement, the electoral watchdog and the human rights group Suaram called on Pakatan Harapan ministers - who have long been involved in Bersih rallies - to demonstrate their support for the event.

“What exactly are the authorities afraid of?” they asked, criticising the police for citing minor provisions, such as insufficient notification, in their attempt to halt the rally.

The groups described this approach as an outdated tactic aimed at silencing the people’s voices.

“The public has the right to assemble peacefully, even if you disagree with it. Especially on an issue you’ve long fought for,” they emphasised.

Police under pressure?

Highlighting that corruption remains a critical issue, Bersih and Suaram questioned whether there were hidden forces behind the police’s “irrational” move to suppress the protest.

“Was the Dang Wangi police chief’s statement made under pressure from any individual or minister in the government, or was it a decision of his own?” they inquired.

The groups were referring to a warning issued by Dang Wangi police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman who had cautioned the public against attending the rally.

While acknowledging receipt of the organiser’s notice, he claimed it was incomplete, as it lacked the consent of the venue’s owners or occupants.

He warned that “strict action” would be taken in accordance with the law.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil defended the authorities.

Rally to proceed as planned

Unfazed, the anti-graft rally secretariat announced that it would press on with the demonstration as scheduled.

“The demonstration will happen and we demand the authorities to respect the people’s rights, not betray them.

“The police are supposed to facilitate public rallies instead of preventing them. We will not bow to intimidation and the people’s wave will take on those who abuse their powers,” it added.

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