KUALA LUMPUR: The organisers of an anti-corruption rally scheduled for Saturday (Jan 25) have yet to resubmit the notice for the gathering, says Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa.
The Kuala Lumpur police chief said the organiser had initially submitted the notice in accordance with the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 within the stipulated time.
"However, they did not obtain permission from the owners of the premises where the rally is going to be held.
"We have returned the notice (to them) but they have yet to resubmit it. Our checks also revealed they have not obtained permission from the owners of the premises as well," he told a press conference after attending the Kuala Lumpur police monthly assembly on Friday (Jan 24).
Comm Rusdi said more than 400 police personnel and officers will be deployed on Saturday.
ASLO READ: Organisers must get consent from premises owner, says Saifuddin on anti-graft rally
"In our experience, the organisers will still go on with the rally whether or not they have fulfilled the requirements of the notice.
"Thus, we will deploy more than 400 personnel to maintain peace and order as well as to ensure the safety of all during the rally," he said.
So far, the police will not conduct any roadblock or road closures on Saturday, Comm Rusdi said.
"We advise all parties, including rally participants and organisers, to adhere to the laws and regulations.
"The right to gather is broad but it is not exclusive thus all must abide by the nation's laws," he said.
Asked on certain parties questioning the ownership of Dataran Merdeka, claiming Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) did not own it, Comm Rusdi said everyone can speculate.
ASLO READ: Permission from site owner compulsory for rallies, says Fahmi
"However, DBKL has been designated as the premises owner for both Dataran Merdeka and Padang Merbok," he said.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail previously said the Peaceful Assembly Act was clear on its stipulations and organisers should be aware what is required of them,
Saifuddin Nasution was asked on the planned rally in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
“Organisers should know what their responsibilities are if they read the act. This includes notifying the police,” he said.
When asked to comment on the need of the consent of the premises owner if the rally was held in a public space, Saifuddin said that requirement stayed the same.
“Every premises has an owner. For example, Padang Merbok is owned by the municipal council.
“Dataran Merdeka has an owner as well. You need to get permission from DBKL.
ASLO READ: Anti-graft rally fails to meet Peaceful Assembly Act requirements, say cops
“The law has already stated as such,” he said.
He added that certain locations were completely prohibited from such assemblies such as houses of worship.
The anti-corruption rally, dubbed the Himpunan Rakyat Benci Rasuah, is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.