WHILE the debate is on which event pulled the largest crowd yesterday (Sept 16), the Selamatkan Malaysia or the Keretapi Sarong, the police have summoned 20 individuals involved in the political rally organised by Perikatan Nasional (PN) Youth.They are being asked to provide their statements tomorrow at the Dang Wangi police station at 10am and among them is Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, a member of the rally’s organising committee, according to Free Malaysia Today.Badrul Hisham Shaharin (better known as Chegu Bard), Bersatu information chief Datuk Razali Idris, Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid Ali, Taman Medan assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin and PAS Youth information chief Nazir Helmi are said to be among the 20 called up by the authorities.Malay daily Harian Metro reported that city police chief Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid was saying that investigation papers had been opened into the rally under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.“We have opened investigation papers and will call any individual who can assist us in our investigation. They will be called soon to have their statements recorded,” he said.The rally took place on the streets near SOGO shopping mall and the Dang Wangi police station yesterday.Protesters gathered at Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru and marched to the SOGO in Kuala Lumpur. The protestors, chanting ‘Dakwa Zahid’ ended the rally after the organising committee submitted police reports at the Dang Wangi police headquarters.Allaudeen had told reporters earlier that the rally organisers did not adhere to the requirements under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.“Although the rally failed to comply with provisions of the Peaceful Assembly Act, police took every necessary step to ensure it ran smoothly. Based on our initial investigations, 16 individuals gave speeches during the rally,” said Allaudeen. – Sept 17, 2023
