Anwar rally declared illegal

KUALA LUMPUR: City police have declared the upcoming March 7 #KitaLawan rally to protest the imprisonment of Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as illegal.

Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Zainol Samah (pic) said that authorities had failed to reach an agreement with the rally organisers during a meeting at the district’s headquarters here on Wednesday.

He said the organisers, represented by PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, had not “followed procedure” in applying for a permit to hold the rally in front of the Sogo Shopping Complex this Saturday.

“They did not submit the 10-day notice as stipulated under the Peaceful Assembly Act, and after long discussions, they also rejected our proposal to move the rally to a stadium,” he said.

ACP Zainol added that police had received six reports against the planned rally, including from the management of Sogo and a fast food chain in the mall, which complained about noise made by the protesters during another #KitaLawan rally in front of the premises on Feb 28.

“If they continue, we will just have to do our work in maintaining public order,” he said.

Responding to the police, PKR vice-president Tian Chua said the rally was still expected to continue, despite the police ruling.

“The police have no right to ask people to switch locations and secondly, there is no requirement for a permit. There is no issue with the police and the rally looks set to go on,” said the Batu MP, who said he expected “a few thousands” to turn up.

Around 50 non-governmental organisations have pledged to participate in the gathering.