Jan 9 rally: Police to question Azmin next

PKR deputy president Azmin Ali faces questioning by police tomorrow in relation to the Jan 9 rally in support of de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, on the day of the Sodomy II verdict.

Vice-president N Surendran (left)said several leaders have already been called up, including Youth head Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin.

“We note that the police  had agreed to the holding of the gathering in front of the court building in Jalan Duta. Why then have they commenced this unnecessary investigation?” he asked.

“This investigation is politically motivated and carried out in bad faith by the police leadership in order to harass and intimidate PKR's leadership, and to warn the rakyat against exercising their constitutional right to freedom of assembly and speech.”

Shamsul Iskandar was interviewed yesterday for two hours, according to Sinar Harian.

Police have classified the case under Section 150 of the Penal Code (hiring or conniving persons to join an unlawful assembly) and Section 4 of the Sedition Act.

Surendran said the gathering had been peaceful and lawful by virtue of Article 10 of the federal constitution.

“This unlawful and biased investigation is proof that the recently passed Peaceful Assembly Act only further restricts the rakyat's right to freedom of assembly.

“Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's promises of reform are once again shown to be a complete sham. We call upon the PM and the inspector-general of police to immediately discontinue this investigation as police resources must be used to tackle real crime.”

Surendran said police investigations should not be misused to harass BN's political opponents.

“This police harassment of the opposition also proves that Umno hardliners remain in control.”