Freedom to read? PSM condemns halt of youth gathering by authorities

KUALA LUMPUR - Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has urged authorities to clarify their actions in preventing a group of youths from holding a public reading session at Dataran Merdeka last Saturday.

PSM central committee member N. Gandipan argued that the police's demand for a notification letter for a reading and discussion activity lacks legal basis and contradicts the rights guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.

The event, called Diskusi dan Buku Jalanan, was reportedly proceeding calmly before being approached by about officers – three in DBKL uniform and the rest in plain clothes. - Photo source: FB

He claimed that individuals can assemble, discuss and engage in intellectual pursuits without a permit, particularly in public spaces.

“The National Youth Federation (NYF) stated that the police and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) instructed the youths to end their programme and disperse by 10pm.

“PSM asserts that the presence of police officers and DBKL personnel to halt and monitor this programme constitutes intimidation against the youth.

“The police and DBKL must clarify the legal authority requiring a permit to read books and the rationale behind the dispersal directive. Authorities must also cease interfering with intellectual activities in public spaces moving forward," Gandipan said.

Gandipan further claimed that the authorities’ actions conflicted with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s encouragement to youths to embrace serious reading, as stated during the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2023 opening.

“He stated that cultivating good character and knowledge necessitates initiating a tradition of serious reading.

“Ironically, such pronouncements become mere rhetoric when youths who heed that call face scrutiny and obstruction from authorities," he added.

Gandipan affirmed PSM’s solidarity with the affected youths facing intimidation and called on Malaysians to continue utilising public spaces for reading, discussions and peaceful protest activities.