Hold anti-kleptocracy rally in stadium instead, IGP tells organiser

The police have asked the organiser of Saturday's anti-kleptocracy rally to relocate the event to the Kelana Jaya stadium instead of Padang Timur.

Inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said four reports have been received from residents regarding the plan to hold the rally at Padang Timur.

"We have decided not to give the green light... We have received several reports from the local residents because traffic in the area would affect them," Fuzi told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

The police chief also pointed out that Padang Timur can only accommodate 10,000 people whereas the organiser is predicting a 100,000-strong turnout.

"So we suggest that the rally be held at the Kelana Jaya stadium as it would be more orderly. It would be easier for the organiser to control (the crowd).

"It would also be easier for us to control (the crowd) since anything can happen at rallies," he added.

Earlier today, Harapan, which is the rally organiser, said it would press on with plans to gather at Padang Timur, despite police objections, because preparations to do so were already made.

Fuzi said the decision to obey the police orders was up to the organisers but maintained that his force will act according to the law.

“We will take action based on the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012,” he added.

Malaysiakini also sighted an image of the letter issued to the rally organisers, which elaborated on reasons police disagreed with the rally being held at its proposed venue.

It argued that the rally would “disturb” the flow of passengers heading to the Taman Jaya LRT station, located 400 metres away.

Feeder buses used to ferry LRT passengers would also be blocked from entering or exiting the station.

The letter also explained that traffic in the entire Petaling Jaya town and along the Federal Highway would be adversely affected by the rally as the main trunk road it was situated along - Jalan Timur - was part of a “One-Way Loop”.

Harapan leader Mohamad Sabu said the organisers would write to the police again to inform that efforts would be made to ensure a smooth traffic flow during the rally.

"This rally does not involve any march. So we have to prepare PA systems, screens and other facilities. It involves costs. If it is a march, it will be cheaper," he said. -Mkini