Black 505 rally can go on but …

The organisers must comply with provisions in the Peaceful Assembly Act 1012, says Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakatan Rakyat can go on with its Black 505 rally in Kuala Lumpur on June 15 as long it complies with the law, said Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today.

“As long as Anwar (Ibrahim) plans to hold the rally in compliance with provisions in Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA), the police will allow it,” said Zahid at a press conference today.

Since the general election, Pakatan Rakyat has embarked on a series of rallies, called Black 505, claiming that the Barisan Nasional (BN) had “stolen” victory from the opposition.

Yesterday, Anwar announced that he will organise another Black 505 rally, despite the King’s advise to accept the general election results.

On another matter, Zahid was non-committal when pressed on whether the government would establish the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) in the wake of recent deaths in custody.

“The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar had new unit within the police force to look into the matter. I reckon the IGP received public feedback on the matter,” he said.

However, Deputy Home Minister, Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who was present with Zahid, said that his ministry would look into the matter.

Junaidi also said that he met Khalid two days ago on the matter and they are still in the midst of getting more feedback on the issue.

“Some say the police already have their own way to investigate deaths in custody like its disciplinary board, and it was good enough. So I’ve got check. Give me a couple of weeks,” said the Santubong MP.

In the past five months, Suaram reported that eight people have died in custody for various reasons.

The recent case happened on Saturday, when security guard P Karunanithi was found dead at the Tampin police headquarters, while awaiting bail money to be paid. The police classified the case as “sudden death.”

Asked on Karunanithi’s death, Zahid said, “The police are investigating it.”

Meanwhile, Zahid agreed to the notion that there should be no contest for both Umno presidency and deputy presidency in the party polls scheduled by end of the year.

“I’m all for that. We need them both (Najib Tun Razak and Muhyiddin Yassin),” said the Bagan Dato MP.