Don’t play victim, minister tells ‘Himpunan Rakyat’ rally organisers

 

Organisers of the “Himpunan Selamatkan Rakyat” gathering should not “play victim” when called up to provide statements to the police after failing to comply with conditions of holding gatherings under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said under the act, the organisers had to inform the police about the rally but failed to do so.

"It’s the organiser's responsibility to inform the police and if not informed, this is what has led to the police having to call the organisers (to provide statements).

"The organisers cannot play the victim because of their unwillingness to do the most basic thing," he said at a special press conference today.

Saifuddin said the government had no issues with rallies, citing 78 applications to gather were accepted throughout last year after all of them complied with the Peaceful Assembly Act, with no charges filed in court.

Saifuddin said the ministry also viewed seriously the actions of those who “dragged” the palace institution’s name into the gathering.

He also said the ministry received a report from the palace a few hours before the rally was held following allegations that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah had consented to some individuals entering the palace to hand over documents related to the gathering.

"This is an act of dragging the name of the palace institution into a gathering that was not reported to the police, prompting the palace to file a report.

"When investigations are usually done (for gatherings) it is more like giving advice or warnings, and when it goes beyond the limit like dragging the name of the palace institution (into the matter), I believe appropriate action will be taken by the police," he said.

Saifuddin said a special team would investigate the matter within seven days before the investigation paper is submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action.

The “Himpunan Selamatkan Rakyat” gathering held at Gate 2 of Istana Negara yesterday was organised by the secretariat of Pembela Tanah Air (Peta).

It was also attended by about 700 individuals comprising supporters of a political party, NGOs and the public.

Police confirm probe

Brickfields district police chief Amihizam Abdul Shukor said four individuals had submitted a memorandum to Istana Negara's chief of corporate communications during the gathering.

Yesterday, Kuala Lumpur police chief Allaudeen Abdul Majid said the organisers had been identified and would be called to testify soon.

Allaudeen said the police had also received a report from the palace yesterday regarding Badrul Hisham Shahrin’s - also known as Chegubard - claim that three representatives of Perikatan Nasional were called to appear before the Agong yesterday.

He said the case was investigated and handled by the Bukit Aman Classified Crime Investigation Unit.

- Bernama