The issue of notices and "permission" for demonstrations is back in the news once again, as Perikatan Nasional plans to stage a protest against the government this Saturday.
Even a Pakatan Harapan MP is playing the "permit" card, saying that PN needs to comply with the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA).
However, it was just two years ago when Harapan MPs - including now Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail - took part in a march which police said was not in compliance with the PAA.
This was when Harapan, along with other opposition lawmakers at the time, decided to march to Parliament on Aug 2, 2021 - calling for then-prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin and his cabinet to resign.
It was in response to Muhyiddin suspending Parliament during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The marchers that day were met by a wall of police officers, who blocked their path to Parliament.
Then-Kuala Lumpur police chief Azmi Abu Kassim called the march an "illegal rally", and said that police were not notified five days in advance of the rally, as required by Section 9 of the PAA.
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad - who is now the natural resources, environment and climate change minister - described the police blockade as a result of the then-government's "high-handed" attitude.
Besides Anwar, Saifuddin and Nik Nazmi, others who attended the protest include Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming, Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
The protest, and the police not condoning it, led to Anwar, Saifuddin and over a dozen other lawmakers being questioned by the police, including for alleged failure to comply with the PAA.
Now in power, however, Saifuddin said there are no plans to amend the PAA at the moment.
The issue of the PAA cropped up after PN announced plans to hold a rally in downtown Kuala Lumpur on Sept 16 - in protest of prosecutors withdrawing corruption charges against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said PN must submit a notice five days before the rally, as well as get permission from premises owners.
He warned that stern action would be taken if the PAA is not complied with.
Meanwhile, Batu MP P Prabakaran - who had also joined the Aug 2, 2021 rally - said he hoped that PN would comply with the law and apply for a police permit.
Besides PN, Muda is also reportedly planning to stage a protest over Zahid’s issue but has yet to decide whether to cooperate with PN. - Mkini
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