PUTRAJAYA: Perikatan Nasional’s insistence on holding the “Save Malaysia” rally on Malaysia Day is a sign of disrespect of the spirit of unity, tolerance and love toward the people, says the Home Minister.
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the organisers could have held the event on any other date – unfortunately, they chose to do it on Sept 16.
“This is a day that people see as a day of celebration. It is a significant day, the formation of Malaysia, and it is in the spirit of mutual respect, tolerance as well as respect of the law.
“Choosing this day (for the rally) clearly shows that they do not respect the life of tolerance, unity and love for race and religion, especially for our friends in Sabah and Sarawak,” he told reporters after launching the World Anti-Trafficking of People Day here yesterday.
Relating the days when he participated in street demonstrations, the Pakatan Harapan senator said he gained much experience from rallies in his 30 years in politics.
But in those days, street rallies were bound by the Police Act, he added.
When the Peaceful Assembly Act came into force in 2012, he said there are dos and dont’s, including that such gatherings could not be held near places of worship, petrol stations or electricity substations.
“The police have made their reaction clear. We go by the law,” said Saifuddin.
On the case in which a Malaysian student was arrested for suspected espionage in Norway, Saifuddin said he was briefed by the Inspector-General of Police on Wednesday.
“We are still waiting for the complete report from the Norwegian authorities. For now, they have notified us of the suspect’s status, background and certain evidence they obtained,” he said.
