IPOH: Stern action will be taken against the organisers of this Saturday’s rally on the outcome of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s trial if rules and regulations are not followed, the police have warned.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Comm Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said those who wish to hold such gatherings must apply for a permit from the police five days prior to the event.
This meant that yesterday was to be the last day for them to apply for the permit.
He said the organisers must also get permission from the owner of the premises or the area concerned.
“I am made to understand that the area (where the rally is planned) is in front of the Sogo shopping mall (in Kuala Lumpur).
“So, besides the police permit, the organisers must also get the green light from Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the mall’s management,” he told reporters yesterday.
On Sunday, Perikatan Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said a gathering would be held on Sept 16 over the outcome of Ahmad Zahid’s case.
The rally, he said, would be part of its “Save Malaysia Movement”.
Ahmad Zahid was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal by a High Court on all 47 graft charges involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds.
When contacted yesterday, Ahmad Fadhli said he hopes the police would allow them to hold the gathering.
“We are not going to fix a target number (of people attending the rally.) We are quite sure this issue has many silent supporters.
“We are not going to reach out to ruling parties’ youth wings, but we invite everyone.
“As for the venue being in front of Sogo, that is just a landmark. It is still being decided, but it will be in Kuala Lumpur,” he added.
Ahmad Fadhli also claimed that many individuals from different to him personally.
“The rally will be a gathering of Malaysians,” he said, adding that it was imperative for them to speak out on important matters.
“We will apply for the police permit,” he said.
However, Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid said yesterday that police had yet to receive any application for the rally.
