KUALA LUMPUR: The police are committed to facilitating Saturday's (July 26) planned rally to ensure that it proceeds smoothly and safely, while also respecting public spaces shared by all, says Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
The Inspector-General of Police called for cooperation from all parties to help maintain a harmonious atmosphere throughout the duration of the assembly.
"We acknowledge the planned peaceful assembly scheduled to take place this Saturday at Dataran Merdeka.
"We fully respect the constitutional rights of Malaysians to express their views and assemble peacefully in accordance with the democratic values upheld in the country," he said in a statement on Friday (July 25).
He said as an enforcement agency that upholds the Federal Constitution, the police respect the right of the people to voice their opinions and gather peacefully and respectfully.
The IGP advised all participants to remain aware of existing laws and to help preserve public order and safety in the surrounding areas.
"It is our hope that every opinion expressed during the assembly will be conveyed in a respectful manner, grounded in the values of courtesy and decorum that define Malaysian society.
"For members of the public who are not directly involved, we recommend planning travel in advance and checking real-time traffic updates to avoid potential disruptions, as traffic flow around the area is expected to be affected," he said.
Mohd Khalid gave his assurance that public safety will continue to be safeguarded, while the rights and freedoms of the people will be respected.
“We believe that a balance between democratic rights and the rule of law can be achieved through close cooperation and shared responsibility,” he added.
He also expressed gratitude for the public’s trust and called on all parties to act responsibly and with maturity.
"Let us work together to ensure that every opportunity for democratic expression is used positively, for the sake of national harmony and the wellbeing of society,” he said.
