Thursday May 9, 2013

GE13: Cops - Organisers of gathering at Kelana Jaya Stadium did not follow procedures

PETALING JAYA: The mass gathering by the Opposition at the Kelana Jaya Stadium is illegal because the organisers did not follow procedures outlined in the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012.

Selangor police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah said the organisers had obtained the stadium management's permission but informed police only on the day of the event.

“Under the PAA, the organisers must inform the police 10 days in advance.

“This would enable the police to gain feedback from the residents in the area as well as coordinate manpower to maintain security and ensure smooth traffic flow,” he said yesterday.

He added that the organisers blatantly refused to obey the law and the impromptu rally was unfair to the residents.

“The best option would have been to postpone the rally but the organisers refused to do so,” he said.

However, DCP Tun Hisan said police would avoid confrontation with the organisers or the participants in the spirit of peaceful assembly.

“We will gather evidence and review whether there is action that can be taken against the organisers or participants,” he said.

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