ALL citizens of this country have the right to assemble peacefully as long as it does not involve any weapons, said Pasir Gudang MP, Hassan Abdul Karim.
The PKR MP stated this is enshrined in Article 10(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution, which clearly states that all citizens have the right to assemble peacefully and without weapons.
Therefore, he said, the right of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s family members and supporters from across the country to attend the solidarity rally scheduled in Putrajaya tomorrow cannot be denied.
He added that the statement from the palace on January 3 also does not cancel the right of the people to assemble as stated under Article 10(1)(b).
“It should be clarified that the highest law in our country Malaysia is the Federal Constitution, not a decree or command from the Palace.
“Are people gathering in front of the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya tomorrow considered to be defying the Yang di-Pertuan Agong? The answer is no, because Malaysia is a democratic country, not an absolute feudal state.
“However, I personally disagree with holding Najib’s solidarity rally, but that does not matter because my personal stance cannot deny the right of Najib’s family members and supporters to assemble peacefully,” he said in a statement today.
Yesterday, PAS was reported to continue its participation in the Solidarity Rally for Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the Palace of Justice, Putrajaya, tomorrow.
PAS Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, was reported to have claimed that attending the rally does not contradict or diminish the meaning and purpose of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree.
He claimed it also does not conflict with any constitutional provisions or interfere with the process and workings of the Pardons Board.
On January 3, the Palace of Negara issued a statement informing that any proposal for a pardon or reduction of sentence for any convict must be submitted by the convict for consideration by the Pardons Board, chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) then urged the public not to attend any rally organised by any parties related to royal pardon demands.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, was quoted saying this was to respect the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree regarding the royal prerogative in matters of pardon, as well as to maintain public safety and order.
Subsequently, UMNO Secretary-General, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, in a statement last night, said that the party had decided not to proceed with the rally on Monday, which was intended to show solidarity for Najib regarding the Titah Addendum issue.
Asyraf Wajdi was quoted as saying UMNO accepts all of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s suggestions to respect the royal prerogative and follow the legal channels set by submitting an appeal in the matter faced by the former Prime Minister.
However, Hassan said that the right to assemble under Article 10(1)(b) is not absolute.
He explained that Parliament, through legislation, can impose any restrictions it deems necessary for the public safety, order, or morality as stated in Article 10(2)(b) of the Federal Constitution.
“However, the Royal Malaysia Police should understand the spirit of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 and comprehend the intention of Parliament when it enacted Act 736 in 2012 to facilitate peaceful assemblies in line with the guarantees in the Federal Constitution.
“The Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (Act 736) was enacted to provide broader freedom for the people to assemble peacefully, replacing the restrictive and limiting Police Act of 1967,” he said. —Jan 5, 2025
Main image: Sinar Harian
