Police open investigation into anti-govt rally in Putrajaya

KUALA LUMPUR: The police have opened an investigation into the Himpunan Rakat Lawan Anwar rally that took place on Saturday (June 29).

In a statement on Sunday (June 30), Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said that the gathering proceeded on Saturday without permission from the owner of the premises.

"As such the police have opened an investigation paper under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012. As many as 12 organisers have been identified to be called in for statements in the near future," he said.

On Saturday, a crowd of protesters, mostly clad in black, turned up for the anti-government rally opposite the Prime Minister's official residence.

Protestors donned T-shirts printed with anti-government slogans while they chanted anti-government slogans and called for reforms.

Members of the rally's organising committee took turns to give speeches lambasting government leaders on various issues affecting the masses such as the recent diesel price hike, the possible upcoming removal of petrol subsidy, the proposed privatisation of government healthcare services and the shortage of local white rice supply.

Comm Rusdi, on Thursday (June 27), said that the rally was illegal and that the organisers had not obtained permission from the venue owner, Putrajaya Corporation, when they submitted a notice to the police on June 14.