Anti-Lynas protesters say will occupy Dataran for the night

Thousands of Himpunan Hijau supporters descend upon Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur November 25, 2012. — Picture by Choo Choy May

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 ― Himpunan Hijau protesters vowed to stay overnight at Dataran Merdeka after arriving here following a 300km march from Kuantan to rally against the start-up of the Lynas rare earth plant in Pahang.

The police have, however, said they will investigate the Himpunan Hijau rally organisers under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012, for allegedly failing to give notice of their protest here against Lynas Corp’s refinery in Kuantan.

Several thousand protesters were gathered near the historic Dataran Merdeka here, some of whom marched all the way from Kuantan across 13 days.

Earlier, Dang Wangi police chief ACP Zainuddin Ahmad told the crowd that the leaders of the environmental protest had failed to inform police of the assembly, and referred to Section 9 (1) of the PAA.

He also said the organisers will be investigated under Section 9 (5) of the PAA.

Section 9 (1) states that the organiser of an assembly must give 10 days’ notice to the police, while Section 9 (5) specifies that those found to be in breach of the aforementioned clause will be liable for a fine of up to RM10,000.

Himpunan Hijau chairman Wong Tack, in his brief speech to the mostly green-shirted crowd, said that he will stay overnight within the Dataran Merdeka area.

Wong was later informed by Suhakam commissioner James Nayagam that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) would allow Himpunan Hijau protesters to stay overnight, as long as tents were not set up.

The protestors also did not breach the barricades set up directly outside Dataran Merdeka.

The core group comprising hundreds of Himpunan Hijau protestors is expected to stay overnight at Dataran Merdeka, after the thousands that joined them dispersed peacefully this evening.

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