The organisers of the red shirt rally along Gurney Drive today will be investigated under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 for not notifying the force about the rally, said Penang police.
Organised by Penang Umno, the 30-minute rally against Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng themed 'Ride Against Corruption' saw about 2,000 motorcyclists circling the Gurney roundabout, honking loudly and disrupting traffic.
Northeast district police chief Meor Faridalatrash said the organisers did not inform the police about the event prior to carrying it out at Gurney Drive today.
"We have identified the individuals who gave speeches today and will call them to assist in our investigation," Meor told reporters at the rally scene.
"No arrests were carried out as they complied with the police order to disperse," he added.
Asked the reason for the probe when the group was exercising their freedom of speech peacefully, Meor said, "We have no problem with freedom of speech".
"There was no need to even ask me that question," he added, reiterating that the police's contention was with the organisers' failure to give prior notice.
"I am not going to touch anything about freedom of speech,” he said.
Meor said traffic earlier was congested but police managed to get it under control.
Umno Youth and its supporters, who reportedly came from 10 NGOs, demanded Lim's resignation over his two graft charges.
Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, was charged with two counts of corruption related to the purchase of his bangalow on Jalan Pinhorn, allegedly below market value.
Lim has claimed trial to the two charges and the second mention of his case will be heard at the Penang High Court on Dec 6.
Meanwhile, Meor said members of the red shirts gathered at different locations in Penang, like Beach Street and Padang KotaLama (Esplanade).
Some started their journey on the mainland and convoyed across the Penang bridge to Gurney Drive.
Meor said the police cannot ascertain whether the crowd comprised locals or otherwise, but estimated them to number about 2,000.
Meanwhile, he declined to comment on the group's second demand about rejecting Bersih's planned rally on Nov 19.
"I cannot comment because I have not received any information or application regarding the rally," he said. -Mkini
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