Lawyers should understand the law better - IGP on PAA probes

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador has expressed regret over criticisms by lawyers against police action over public gatherings held without adequate notice.

Abdul Hamid said that contrary to claims that police was out to stifle the right to free assembly, permission will be granted to any parties as long as requirements under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 have been fulfilled.

"The lawyers - I'm asking them to understand - they are legal practitioners.

"Do not issue statements as if police is restricting this and that, I'm fed up...they don't seem to understand," he told reporters in Klang.

"And for the media, please explain to them in simple Malay and English.

"If they want to gather, go to Padang Merbok or rent a stadium. Apply for a notice and there they can express their ideas as Malaysians," he said after attending a declaration for joint strategic cooperation between the Royal Malaysia Police and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.

Also present were Home Ministry deputy secretary-general Zainal Abidin Abu Hassan and MMEA director-general Mohd Zubil Mat Som.

Abdul Hamid was responding to concerns raised over an ongoing police probe against 18 individuals, including senior lawyer S Ambiga and activist Marina Mahathir over their participation in a public protest against the new Perikatan Nasional federal coalition.

Others called for questioning at Bukit Aman yesterday include former Amanah deputy youth chief Muhammad Faiz Fadzil and Amanah Youth vice-chief Abbas Azmi.

With the exception of activist lawyer Fadiah Nadwa Fikri who is also being probed for sedition and improper use of network facilities, the rest were called in under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 for failure to provide adequate notice before gathering.

Commenting further, Hamid said the individuals were summoned for questioning over a clear breach of provisions under the law.

In fact, he pointed out that police had followed the necessary procedure to record their statements, taking into account the people's constitutional right to freedom of assembly.

"We respect that right, but at the same time, parliament has passed the Peaceful Assembly Act.

"This Act in my view is to facilitate our (police) management of people's right to demonstrate," said Abdul Hamid who urged organisers to submit the required notice to ease police's deployment on the day. - Mkini