June 29 street protest in Putrajaya deemed illegal

KUALA LUMPUR: The "Demo Rakyat Lawan Anwar" protest planned for Saturday (June 29) is illegal as it has not met the requirements by law, says city police chief Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa.

He said although the organisers submitted a notice to the police on June 14, they had not obtained permission from the venue owner, which is Putrajaya Corporation.

"They were planning to have the rally at 4pm at a public parking lot opposite the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya.

"However, Putrajaya Corporation is not allowing the gathering to take place there, so we advise the organisers not to proceed with the rally," he told a press conference at Brickfields district police headquarters here on Thursday (June 27).One of the most important requirements under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 is obtaining the permission of a venue owner, he said.

"The organisers have failed to do so," he added.

Comm Rusdi also advised the public not to join Saturday's protest.

"If the organisers are still adamant about going ahead with the rally, the police will facilitate but we will also investigate under the Act.

"We do not rule out the possibility of conducting roadblocks and road closures. We will prepare for the worst," he said.

Comm Rusdi said police are also investigating a video asking people to join the rally, which has gone viral.

"We received 85 police reports on the video.

"We are investigating under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998," he said, adding that stern action could be taken against the organisers and participants.

"Those with inquiries or information can contact the KL police hotline at 03-21159999 or any nearest police station," he said.

It was reported that NGO Demi Negara planned to hold the rally across from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's official residence at Seri Perdana as a show of dissatisfaction with his leadership.

Organiser Aidil Yunus was quoted in media reports as saying that his group did not have any connection with political parties.

It was also reported earlier this week that three social media influencers, including Aidil, had been summoned by police in connection with the rally.