Top cop: Action to be taken against organisers of palace gathering
PETALING JAYA: The investigation on the “Himpunan Selamatkan Rakyat” held outside Istana Negara is expected to be concluded by mid-week, with court action recommended against the organisers, say police.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid (pic) said to date, statements have been recorded from 10 persons believed to have been involved in organising the gathering on Jan 23.
He said several other individuals who were summoned are expected to be interviewed by the police soon.
“The probe is almost complete and we hope to submit the investigation papers to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) before or on Wednesday.
“There are just a handful of them who have yet to show up for questioning. But they have told investigators that they will come forward within the next few days,” Allaudeen told The Star yesterday.
He said that as the gathering did not comply with provisions under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, the police will make recommendations to the AGC to charge the organisers in court.
Bersatu’s Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Chegubard, was among those who have been questioned by the police after investigations on the gathering commenced.
The gathering held at Gate 2 of Istana Negara is said to have been organised by the secretariat of Pembela Tanah Air (Peta), with hundreds from political parties, NGOs and the public turning up.
It was aimed at seeking the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s intervention in resolving the woes of the people concerning the rising cost of living and declining economy, according to the organisers.
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was also present.
It was reported that four individuals handed over memorandums to palace officials during the gathering.
On Wednesday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the organisers failed to comply with the law, adding that they should not “play victim” when summoned by police.
He was also quoted saying that several hours before the rally was held, his ministry received a report from the palace that there were claims made that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had consented to some individuals entering the palace to hand over documents related to the gathering.
Saifuddin said the ministry viewed seriously the actions of those who linked the royalty with the gathering.
Palace officials have lodged a police report on the matter.
