Bersih: Cops can reset 'iron-fisted' past with anti-kleptocracy rally

The anti-kleptocracy rally organised by Pakatan Harapan is an opportunity for new inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun to move away from the "iron-fisted" approach of his predecessor when it comes to rallies, said Bersih.

As such, the Bersih steering committee said Fuzi should allow the rally to proceed at Padang Timur in Petaling Jaya as planned.

"Fuzi is in prime position to mark a shift in the Royal Malaysian Police's approach toward public gatherings and rallies, compared to his iron-fisted predecessor's approach of outlawing rallies in the past," it said in a statement today.

Fuzi had earlier today urged rally organisers to move the gathering to Kelana Jaya Stadium, claiming that holding the gathering at Padang Timur will cause traffic congestion.

"The reasons given by the IGP are flimsy and shows that he failed to understand that, while the 10 days notice period is given to inform the police under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, the police does not have the authority to decide the venue nor have the final say as to whether it will proceed or not.

"Their role is to facilitate and protect the right to peaceful assembly and not to criminalise it," said Bersih.

Bersih stressed that said the right to peaceful assembly is important for the country's democratic process.

"The IGP proved the police force was ready for a change in recognising the right to assemble all Malaysians have under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, as seen in last month's 'Women Against Toxic Politics' gathering.

"In the same vein, Saturday's rally to be held at Taman Padang, Petaling Jaya should be no different," it said.- Mkini