Save Malaysia rally peaceful, did not comply with the Peaceful Assembly Act, says police chief

KUALA LUMPUR: The Save Malaysia rally concluded without any untoward incidents, according to City police chief Comm Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid. Traffic remained under control on Saturday (Sept 16) with extraordinary compliance by motorists, he added. The rally started at Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru around 1.15pm and ended near the Sogo Shopping Complex at around 3.30pm. Despite not complying with provisions of the Peaceful Assembly Act, the police ensured the smooth running of the event. In an initial investigation, it was found that 16 individuals gave speeches during the rally, and the organizers lodged a police report at the Dang Wangi police station.

Comm Allaudeen mentioned that the police will need time to review the report before deciding on further action. He also confirmed that all individuals of interest related to the rally have been identified. The police reiterated their role as law enforcers and stated that they were merely following the laws specified under the Peaceful Assembly Act. According to Section 9 of the Act, organizers are required to give notice to the police, and the form can be found in the Fourth Schedule under Section 10. The form must include the name of the organizer, along with written approval from the premise owner. The police take into consideration the views of property owners in the area before allowing the event to take place.

Comm Allaudeen emphasized that the organizers were aware that they needed to provide notice based on the form. As the rally did not comply with the Act, appropriate action will be taken. It was reported that 22 police reports have been filed against the rally so far.