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KUALA LUMPUR: The organisers of the Save Malaysia rally have questioned the need for a police investigation as they consider the event a peaceful gathering.
When met outside the Dang Wangi police headquarters here yesterday, Muafakat Nasional supreme council member Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said the rally was held without any untoward incidents.
“There were no clashes or property damage and no vehicles were overturned either.
“The Peaceful Assembly Act allows for public gatherings to have their voices heard. In my opinion, this investigation is not based on the law,” he said in response to the police calling up some people to assist in investigations into Saturday’s rally.
Tun Faisal said at least 10 people, including him and three lawyers, had their statements taken by the police.
“The questions they asked me were on the report I lodged pertaining to the discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) granted to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi over graft charges, and to explain the rally.
“From what I heard, several others have also been called in to have their statements recorded, including T-shirt vendors who were there on the day,” he added.
Meanwhile, Taman Medan assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin urged the police to not stop politicians from voicing out grievances.
“Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay must remember that he is the Deputy Inspector-General of Police and is no longer (handling) counter-terrorism.
“He should see us as Malaysians who want the people’s rights to be defended. I believe he understands what is happening with the rakyat,” he said.
The police said they had identified 25 persons of interest at the Save Malaysia rally, who would be called in to have their statements recorded.
The gathering on Saturday saw hundreds marching in the capital to protest the DNAA granted to Ahmad Zahid.
City police chief Comm Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid said the rally had not complied with the Peaceful Assembly Act.
