Student activists protesting the jailing of a fellow student for last April’s anti-PTPTN protest camp have returned to re-occupy Dataran Merdeka this morning.
About 10 of them arrived at the tourist attraction, settling down at a corner of the public square, opposite the former Kuala Lumpur courthouse.
They arrived early this morning after packing up their protest camp in front of Kajang Prison, where their co-student Umar Mohd Azmi is serving his one-month prison sentence for obstructing DBKL officers during their earlier protest.
According to their spokesperson, more are due to arrive soon, and the group is planning to stay at the public space until tomorrow morning when Umar’s appeal against his conviction and jailing will be heard at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.
Their arrival and peaceful gathering was uneventful except for the appearance of a lone uniformed DBKL enforcement officer at 11.08am, who inquired about the purpose of their gathering at the iconic square.
“I am a Malaysian, I am here to visit Dataran Merdeka.
“Don't tell me it’s not allowed. After all there are many tourists here, too?” answered group spokesperson Safwan Anang.
The DBKL official asked about the actual reason they are there.
Safwan informed him of their plan.
The official then asked who is the leader or spokesperson and told them that he will inform his office and will be back with their response.
A short while later, the official returned, informing the students that they can stay on the public square as long as they do not pitch their tents.
About 10 of them arrived at the tourist attraction, settling down at a corner of the public square, opposite the former Kuala Lumpur courthouse.
They arrived early this morning after packing up their protest camp in front of Kajang Prison, where their co-student Umar Mohd Azmi is serving his one-month prison sentence for obstructing DBKL officers during their earlier protest.According to their spokesperson, more are due to arrive soon, and the group is planning to stay at the public space until tomorrow morning when Umar’s appeal against his conviction and jailing will be heard at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.
Their arrival and peaceful gathering was uneventful except for the appearance of a lone uniformed DBKL enforcement officer at 11.08am, who inquired about the purpose of their gathering at the iconic square.
“I am a Malaysian, I am here to visit Dataran Merdeka.“Don't tell me it’s not allowed. After all there are many tourists here, too?” answered group spokesperson Safwan Anang.
The DBKL official asked about the actual reason they are there.
Safwan informed him of their plan.
The official then asked who is the leader or spokesperson and told them that he will inform his office and will be back with their response.
A short while later, the official returned, informing the students that they can stay on the public square as long as they do not pitch their tents.
Delegation from Dapsy and PAS Youth
Just before noon Selangor DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) representatives dropped by to visit, along with a representative from PAS Youth.
The delegation stayed for a while talking to the students and posing for photos with some placards they brought along and banners that the student had with them.
The placards call for justice for Umar and supporting freedom of assembly.
Seven minutes after noon, a ranking officer from the DBKL enforcement division, who only identified himself as Nasaruddin, approached the students while flanked by three uniformed enforcement officers.
He spent about ten minutes negotiating with the students, who admitted that they had not applied for permission, but asked for consideration from Nasaruddin.
The officer agreed to allow them to remain at the Dataran until tomorrow morning but asked them not to hang any banners or pitch their tents.
“Don’t do anything that may raise the ire of the higher-ups,” he said.
He also advised the students not to create a situation which is “undesirable”.
Speaking for the students, Safwan agreed that those present at the negotiations will abide with the terms.
Things simmered down after the DBKL officials and the Dapsy and PAS Youth delegation left.
The dozen or so students took shelter in the gazebos at the edge of the square, some strumming their guitars to protest songs, while others chatted as they waited for others to arrive.
The students aim to remain until tomorrow morning when they will depart to the Kuala Lumpur High Court where Umar’s appeal for a stay will be heard.
Just before noon Selangor DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) representatives dropped by to visit, along with a representative from PAS Youth.
The delegation stayed for a while talking to the students and posing for photos with some placards they brought along and banners that the student had with them.
The placards call for justice for Umar and supporting freedom of assembly.
Seven minutes after noon, a ranking officer from the DBKL enforcement division, who only identified himself as Nasaruddin, approached the students while flanked by three uniformed enforcement officers.
He spent about ten minutes negotiating with the students, who admitted that they had not applied for permission, but asked for consideration from Nasaruddin.
The officer agreed to allow them to remain at the Dataran until tomorrow morning but asked them not to hang any banners or pitch their tents.
“Don’t do anything that may raise the ire of the higher-ups,” he said.
He also advised the students not to create a situation which is “undesirable”.
Speaking for the students, Safwan agreed that those present at the negotiations will abide with the terms.
Things simmered down after the DBKL officials and the Dapsy and PAS Youth delegation left.
The dozen or so students took shelter in the gazebos at the edge of the square, some strumming their guitars to protest songs, while others chatted as they waited for others to arrive.
The students aim to remain until tomorrow morning when they will depart to the Kuala Lumpur High Court where Umar’s appeal for a stay will be heard.
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