Cops pick up rally goers, Zamri, lawyer Haniff among those nabbed

Police began rounding up several individuals at the compound of the Sogo Shopping Complex in Kuala Lumpur, which was heavily guarded by authorities.

They are believed to be among those suspected of planning to take part in a rally against what has been described as alleged illegal houses of worship.

Among the prominent figures nabbed are Hulu Langat Bersatu information chief Shafiq Abdul Halim and lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla.

A couple who brought a child, believed to be their son, was also escorted by cops towards the Dang Wangi district police headquarters.

In a Facebook post, lawyer Aidil Khalid updated that Zamri Vinoth was among those who had been arrested, and also named two other individuals, Tamim Dahri and Jamalee Bashah.

Aidil was also heard in a video that showed Haniff’s arrest, asking the police under what laws the lawyer was being detained under.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus confirmed Zamri’s arrest to reporters, along with other individuals he refused to name.

Fadil later arrived near Sogo at close to 9pm, while Dang Wangi district police chief Sazalee Adam had earlier engaged with the rally goers.

At around 8.30pm, Sazalee was heard issuing a dispersal order, while police reinforced their presence, including multiple Land Rovers.

Police sources indicated that the number of arrests as of 9.30pm has increased to 16, including those picked up at Kg Baru Mosque while on the way to the rally site.

Plainclothes and ununiformed police personnel on the ground near Sogo and surrounding sites continue to be seen approaching crowds, at their peak numbering about 200 participants.

Several teams of police personnel equipped with riot gear were also seen on standby at several spots around the complex.

Upset with cops

So far, no prominent PAS leader has been seen in the area despite having previously expressed support for the protest.

Meanwhile, a rallygoer expressed his disappointment with the police action barring them from rallying.

Syed Shafiq Syed Ja’afar said he arrived at Sogo about 8pm, only to see a heavy police presence, and rally participants started being rounded up.

“The situation clearly amounted to intimidation against members of the public who wished to exercise their right to assemble peacefully as guaranteed by the Constitution.

“NGO representatives were detained as soon as they arrived, merely for wearing clothing bearing logos.

“People who were simply gathered in the area were also ordered to disperse, and some were detained.

“I joined the gathering tonight to express my objection to the way the government has handled this issue, but the government and authorities appear to be lenient and accommodating towards the trespassers, and this has caused unease for me as a law-abiding citizen,” he told Malaysiakini.

Shafiq added that the rally was not intended to oppose any religion or race but solely to protest the illegal construction of houses of worship.

He said it would be better if such firmness shown by the police was also applied to people who encroach lands.

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