IGP says personally opposed to rallies, but cops will facilitate pro-Malay Sept 16 gathering
(Malay Mail Online) – The police will lend a hand to facilitate a pro-Malay street demonstration planned for Wednesday at Padang Merbok here now that the organiser has received the greenlight from City Hall (DBKL), which owns the field, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said today.
The top policeman confessed to a personal opposition for any kind of rally, but said the police had no choice but to play their role according to the provisions listed in the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA).
“Yes, it seems the owner of venue has given permission so PDRM will manage this demonstration and we will facilitate,” Khalid said, referring to the Royal Malaysian Police Force by its Malay abbreviation.
“It fulfils the requirements under APA. Even though I don’t agree with it, we don’t agree with it, but as long as it fulfils the APA we have to facilitate it,” he added, referring to the PAA by its Malay acronym.
He gave assurance that the police will do all that was necessary to ensure public peace and order is kept on the rally day, which coincides with the country’s founding.
“We will take all necessary measures to ensure safety and security prevails in our city,” he added during a press conference at the International Maritime Bureau International Meeting on Global Piracy, Armed Robbery and Maritime Security today.
