Rally: Nod from cops, No from DBKL

DBKL insists it will not issue permit for Pakatan's rally in Padang Merbok while the police are ready to facilitate the event tomorrow.

UPDATED

PETALING JAYA:  While the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) stands firm on its decision to disallow Pakatan Rakyat the use of Padang Merbok for its rally, the police said they will facilitate the gathering tomorrow.

Despite the cancellation of a clashing fun run organised by McDonalds and Olympic Council of Malaysia, DBKL insisted that it would stand by its previous decision to reserve a permit for the use of Padang Merbok, citing “traffic congestion”.

“Nope. We will still stand by our previous statement,” DBKL media relations officer Hassan Abu Bakar told FMT when contacted.

He was responding to queries if DBKL would issue a permit to Pakatan now that the fun run was postponed due to the worsening haze conditions.

DBKL reportedly rejected PKR’s application to use the venue last week on the grounds that the OCM would be using Padang Merbok to prepare for a charity run on Sunday.

“Like the Mayor said previously, it would lead to traffic congestion and so on,” Hassan said. However, he did not elaborate further.

Police to facilitate rally
Earlier today, the police however said that they will facilitate Pakatan’s Black 505 rally tomorrow to ensure there is no outbreak of violence.

ASP Ananthan Rajoo of Dang Wangi district police told FMT that instructions have been given by top brass to facilitate the gathering in Padang Merbok.

“We are supposed to facilitate the gathering to ensure that it will not turn violent,” Ananthan said.

“They are still going ahead will the rally despite DBKL not giving clearance so we will facilitate as long as they don’t break the law,” he added.

Ananthan then explained that breaking the law would include destroying government property.

He cautioned rally-goers to gather peacefully and to fully cooperate with the enforcement agencies present tomorrow.

In view of the worrying haze situation, rally-goers have been advised by PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli to wear face masks, and be assured that there would be a medical team on standby.

The rally is part of Pakatan’s ongoing road show to object against electoral fraud which they claimed occurred in the May 5 general election.