
The Federal Constitution provides for freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. Yet, organisers of the 25 January “People Hate Corruption” rally are encountering obstacles from the authorities.
The police and Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail maintain the rally cannot proceed without the permission from property owners of the rally site.
According to the authorities, the organisers must obtain approval from both the Sogo department store and Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
However, the rally sites – the pavements outside Sogo and the Dataran Merdeka field – are public spaces.
The organisers’ legal adviser, Zaid Malek, has raised concerns about the authorities “absurd logic”. If property owners’ consent becomes mandatory, it could effectively prevent any rallies from taking place, he said.
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Such a requirement would have prevented the previous Bersih-led street protests against corruption, abuse of power and electoral issues.
These protests strengthened the Reformasi movement. It is worth noting that many current members of the Pakatan Harapan coalition participated in these street protests, with some taking leading roles.
It would be a supreme irony if PH representatives in government – who previously faced water cannons and harsh weather in pursuit of their democratic rights – were to now place restrictions on this fundamental right.
Aliran executive committee
22 January 2025
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme