'Sickening', says lawyer as government, police seek to prevent anti-graft rally in KL

A vocal human rights lawyer has slammed the Anwar Ibrahim government's attempts to prevent an anti-corruption rally planned for Jan 25 in Kuala Lumpur, saying not only the home minister and the police making absurd demands, but it also showed the hypocrisy of the ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition.

"This tactic of imposing unlawful and unnecessary requirements is a tactic we have seen before under the old BN government, and it is sickening that it continues under the unity government led by PH," said Zaid Malek, the lawyer for Sekretariat Rakyat Benci Rasuah which is planning a rally that will commence from the Sogo shopping centre to Dataran Merdeka on Saturday afternoon.

"During Bersih 4, PH leaders had condemned this same demand by police to obtain permission to enter Dataran Merdeka. It is thus sheer hypocrisy for Saifuddin Nasution and the Madani government to insist we now get permission to march to Dataran," he said, referring to past anti-government protests backed by PH.

Saifuddin, the home minister, has reiterated the police's demand that organisers obtain permission from owners of the premises where the rally is to be held.

Zaid described the statement "most ignorant and reckless by a home minister in recent times".

"Following this absurd logic, no public gathering can take place in Malaysia so long as surrounding building owners object to it."

He said instead of obstructing the public and warning them to stay away from the rally, authorities should ensure that the gathering can take place as planned and without interference.

"Why is the government so afraid of anti-corruption rally when they have made a boast of fighting corruption?" asked Zaid.

Yesterday, police said the rally was in violation of the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) as the organisers had not obtained permission from premise owners.

Zaid, however, said the police's demand lacked any legal basis as the rally would be held in public spaces, adding that PAA only required the organisers to notify the police.

"Even if there is non-compliance with regards to the notice, this does not affect the right of anyone who would want to peacefully assemble."

Zaid said organisers had fully complied with PAA.

"Permission from owner or occupier of premises does not arise as the rally will be held in public places. Dataran Merdeka and the road in front of Sogo would fall under the definition of 'public place' under Section 3 of PAA."

He also questioned police for not responding to organisers' request for a meeting to resolve the matter.

"It shows their intention to hinder the rally from taking place."