Backbenchers disagree with cops over right to march

Three backbenchers have voiced their disagreement with the police’s decision to block a group of farmers from marching to Parliament yesterday to deliver their petition.

"If people want to demonstrate, hit the streets or submit a memorandum, let them do it. Give them space," Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman tweeted last night.

A small group of farmers from Chemor, Perak had gathered at Tugu Negara yesterday to protest against eviction to make way for development.

Government representatives had agreed to receive their petition at Tugu Negara.

However, after the documents were submitted, the farmers insisted on marching towards Parliament, and the police were unsuccessful in trying to stop them.

Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan and Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii claimed that they have voiced their disapproval over the handling of the incident with Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail's office.

"At least allow them to march right up to the gate of Parliament, and if they want to come in, register like everyone.

"Our approach to public assemblies must change," Syahredzan tweeted.

Yii said anyone has the right to petition lawmakers and enter Parliament, provided the requirements are fulfilled.

"There is no need for heavy-handed action on any peaceful action," he said, also from a Twitter post.

Meanwhile, Dang Wangi police district chief Noor Dellhan Yahaya said in a statement last night that Parliament's administration had arranged for the petition handover to take place at Tugu Negara.

Among those who met the farmers were representatives from the Prime Minister's Department, representatives from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim.

According to Noor Dellhan, the farmers ignored orders from the police and continued their march towards Parliament.

In view of this, the police are initiating a probe under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing civil servants from performing their duties. - Mkini