Do not challenge the law, organise gatherings with approval - Ayob Khan

ALOR SETAR - Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay issued a stern warning to all parties not to challenge the country's laws by organising gatherings without the police's approval.

He was commenting on the 'Save Malaysia' rally held from Kampung Baru to the Sogo shopping centre in the capital yesterday.

"Some claimed that under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, the right to gather as a basic human right exists, but we also have to consider Article 10 (2), which imposes limits on every freedom to gather that must be obeyed.

"We need to balance between human rights and public safety and order; that needs to be clear because the police will not compromise.

"Don't use that as an excuse to break the law. Laws are made to be abided by," he said.

He said this after attending the Medal of Service Award Ceremony for the National Heroes of the Kedah Contingent at the Kedah Contingent Police Headquarters (IPK) here today.

Meanwhile, Ayob said police have so far identified 25 individuals involved in the gathering.

He said they included 16 individuals who gave speeches at the gathering.

He said 22 individuals have been contacted so far and six of them have agreed to provide their statements to the police at the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters (IPD) tomorrow (Monday).

"So far, six are indeed involved; one of them is a YB who has agreed to give a statement tomorrow.

"There is one YB, one with Datuk title who led the gathering, so we will contact them," he said.

He said the investigation was being conducted under Section 9(1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (Act 736), which provides a maximum fine of RM10,000, if convicted.

Yesterday, several groups participated in a rally and had marched from Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru to the Sogo shopping complex after performing Zuhur prayers together.

The rally was led by Muafakat Nasional (MN) Supreme Council member Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz and the secretariat of the 'Save Malaysia' rally, Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegu Bard.

Faisal together with Bersatu information chief Datuk Razali Idris and Pejuang information chief Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali also went to the Dang Wangi IPD to lodge a police report. - AWANI