KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has stated that the main objective of the recent rally at Dataran Merdeka was to show solidarity with the Palestinians, rather than focusing on the dos and don’ts of such events. According to the Home Minister, the lives of two million Palestinians are at stake, with the Israeli army gathering at Palestine’s borders. The priority is to evacuate Palestinians from Gaza, which is currently surrounded. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is working towards this goal by meeting with other world leaders and acting as the coordinator for the Southeast Asian region. The government encourages solidarity rallies and has one planned for tonight. The question of whether certain actions, such as the takbir, are allowed at these rallies is not the main issue at hand.
Saifuddin Nasution stated that it is the prerogative of each rally organizer to set the conditions based on their understanding of the situation. He made these comments in response to a question by Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal about whether there were new directives regarding what can or cannot be said during peaceful demonstrations. This question arose after social media users alleged that placards condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyahu were prohibited from being displayed at the recent Viva Palestina Malaysia rally, and the takbir was discouraged by organizers. Saifuddin Nasution clarified that these rules do not reflect the government’s stance on the issues in Palestine.
Saifuddin Nasution further stated that guidelines on public rallies are defined in the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 and the Federal Constitution. The Act encompasses the responsibilities of both organizers and participants, as well as the police. The right to gather and express opinions is protected by the Constitution, but freedom of speech has its limitations and should not question matters such as the security or sovereignty of the Federation. He also mentioned that there are already sufficient laws in place to facilitate public rallies.
Additionally, Saifuddin Nasution expressed his belief that the current police leadership will use discretion when evaluating whether to allow peaceful assemblies, even if the necessary five days’ notice is not provided. He stated that applications to organize solidarity rallies are being frequently submitted, and he believes the police will prioritize facilitating these rallies rather than stopping them. In response to a question by Jimmy Puah Tse Wee about the adequacy of the notice period, Saifuddin Nasution also hinted that the Inspector-General of Police may have the discretion to waive the notice period if there is a pressing need.
