Police have summoned 13 university students involved in the Jan 25 anti-graft rally for statements.
When contacted, the rally organiser mobilisation coordinator, Tobey Qi-Sean, told Malaysiakini he received the call earlier today.
“I received a call and text messages from the police today around 12.30pm.
“A list of 13 students’ names was given, and we are required to give statements at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters this Sunday at 1pm,” he said.
Marching against corruption
Previously, “Himpunan Rakyat Benci Rasuah” held last Saturday saw around 200 protesters march from the Sogo shopping mall to Dataran Merdeka.
Ahead of the protest, the rally attracted significant attention, with several ministers addressing concerns raised by the organisers over police-imposed requirements.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution had dismissed the concerns, while Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil emphasised that the legal requirements for holding a rally were clearly outlined under the law.
A day before the rally, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated he had no objection to the protest.
‘What’s the intent?’
Tobey said two of the 13 students are from Universiti Malaysia Sabah and are required to provide their statements at the Kepayan district police headquarters in Kota Kinabalu on Friday, Feb 7.
He added that all 13 students, aged between 20 and 24, were present during the rally.
“Of the 13, four were attendees, while the remaining were part of the organising committee. All four attendees also gave speeches during the rally,” he said.
While ensuring full cooperation, Tobey questioned the intent behind the investigation.
“We will cooperate, but we condemn this form of intimidation by the police and the government for investigating us.
“Our lawyers will accompany us, and we will hold a press conference afterwards,” he added.
When contacted, Dang Wangi police chief Sulizmie Affend Sulaiman confirmed the case and stated it is being investigated under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
“We are calling them in to record their statements and complete the investigation,” he said briefly. - Mkini
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