Selangor rep summoned by cops, slams intimidation ahead of KL rally

Gombak Setia assembyman Hilman Idham today said that he had been summoned by the police to give his statement on the "Save Malaysia" rally on Malaysia Day to protest the attorney-general's controversial decision to halt the corruption trial of Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Hilman said that it was an intimidation tactic aimed at frightening the people who wished to press for the re-prosecution of Zahid.

"Clearly, this government deserves to be called the 'ReforMATI government' due to its hypocrisy towards its ideals and principles of struggle," he said in a statement.

Yesterday, deputy police chief Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay warned of action against the organisers of the protest planned by Perikatan Nasional this Saturday, saying they must comply with the requirements under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA).

He said that according to Section 9(1) of the PAA, any party intending to hold a rally must apply for a permit five days in advance.

When asked about rallies held without the necessary applications, he said that action would be taken according to the existing laws.

Earlier, rights group Lawyers for Liberty warned the government and police not to intimidate the organisers of the rally, reminding the government against invoking the PAA, a law used by previous Barisan Nasional governments against protesters that critics say is unconstitutional.

Hilman, meanwhile, said he would be present at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters at 11.00am tomorrow to give his statement under Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

"I call on all young people and the people of Malaysia to come together and gather in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 16 to save the country we love," he added.