AN UMNO leader has called for the infamous “red shirts” to take to the streets to counter the rally planned by Perikatan Nasional (PN) this Saturday (Sept 16).
“PN Youth wants to demonstrate in front of the Sogo complex on Sept 16,” Sungai Besar UMNO division chief Datuk Seri Jamal Md Yunos wrote in a brief Facebook post.
“Let us red shirts take to the streets as well to save the country from PN.”
On Sunday (Sept 10) the media reported that PN Youth would hold a rally in front on Sogo on Saturday as part of its “Selamatkan Malaysia” (Save Malaysia) movement.
PN Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, who is also the Pasir Mas MP, said that the rally is to protest against the court ruling that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi be granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) on 47 graft charges involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds.
During a press conference in Parliament yesterday (Sept 12), Ahmad Fadhli said PN Youth is open to changing the location of its rally if the authorities deem the area outside the Sogo shopping mall too small.
The PAS Youth chief said he and other leaders would be willing to meet the police and would seek to discuss the matter amicably with the police.
“We will use this opportunity to have an amicable discussion with the police. We hope they will cooperate with us,” he was reported as saying.
“We were informed that it should be held in a bigger space. We are open to any kind of changes and as of now, we are discussing holding the rally outside the Selangor Foundation building in Bukit Bintang.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said any party planning to hold a rally in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 16 must obey the laws, including submitting an application for a permit beforehand.
He said according to Section 9(1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, parties wanting to hold rallies need to apply for permits five days before such a gathering is held.
Speaking at a press conference after attending the 44th Anniversary of the Police’s Air Operation Force (PGU) at the Police Air Wing Training Base (PLPGU) on Monday (Sept 11), Ayob said applicants also need to seek the approval of owners of premises, in this case, permission from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Sogo Shopping Complex.
He also said there must be no objection from the community who live near the area where the rally will be held.
When asked about parties who have not made applications by today but go ahead with holding a rally, Ayob said, “We will take action according to the existing laws.” – Sept 13, 2023
Main pic credit: Utusan Malaysia
