Minister confident police can contain PJ rally, denies political interference

(Bernama) – Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is confident that the police are capable of handling the gathering planned by the opposition in Petaling Jaya today.

He said the planned gathering would not be in compliance to the provisions in the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

The organiser did not inform the police and the assembly will be held at an open area, he added.

“I see the gathering as an act of provocation in their attempt to challenge the police’s credibility. So, I’m leaving it to the Inspector-General of Police to handle the matter,” he said in an interview on Bernama TV’s “Hello Malaysia” programme at Wisma Bernama here last night.

 Ahmad Zahid also reminded participants planning to attend the assembly not to create chaos or stir provocation that could disrupt public order.

He further dismissed the perception that the action by the police and agencies under his ministry in going after those allegedly bent on causing trouble reflected his firmness as the new home minister.

This came about following the detention of two opposition figures and a social activist by the police under the sedition Act yesterday.

“They are firm in enforcing the laws,” he added.

He said he was leaving to the professionals to take action based on provisions in the law, without any interference from him as the home minister.