Peaceful assembly is a people’s right, not a privilege granted by the government

I REFER to the statement by Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who urged the public to obey the law when participating in rallies protesting Israel’s detention of the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian activists ("Show your solidarity responsibly, rallygoers told", The Star, Oct 4).

While the call for peaceful and orderly gatherings is reasonable, his statement fails to reflect the reality on the ground. In many instances, Malaysians who assemble peacefully to express their views on or solidarity with issues have faced unnecessary police interference and even rough treatment.