KL rally did not comply with Peaceful Assembly Act, say police

The gathering that took place in the federal capital yesterday did not comply with the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (PAA), says Kuala Lumpur police chief Allaudeen Abdul Majid.

He said the gathering, which he added was attended by about 850 participants, failed to adhere to the Fourth Schedule requirements under Section 10 of the PAA. 

"According to Section 9, the organisers must submit an application, and under Section 10 is the Fourth Schedule format which the organisers must comply with.  

"Among the requirements are to clearly state the details of the organiser, and permission from the owner of the premises or space where the assembly is being held, which must be attached to the application," he said during a press conference at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters yesterday.
 
He said these details were essential to the police to facilitate an assembly, but that sometimes organisers cause confusion, particularly on the location of such assemblies, making it difficult for the police to carry out their duties.  

He said the police would look into the appropriate follow-up action with regard to the non-compliance of PAA by the gathering, which took place between 1.15pm and 3.30pm at Sogo Complex.  

"We will look into every aspect which we believe led to today's gathering, which did not comply with the act," he said.  

Allaudeen confirmed that a police report was received from the organisers based on the demands of the gathering, which he said would be studied before its contents are revealed.
   
"We will call any individual who can assist in our investigation, including the 16 individuals who made speeches throughout the gathering earlier," he said.
 
He also denied a viral message which alleged that the police had surrounded several MPs, preventing them from joining the gathering. 

On Sept 15, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said the police had received 22 reports from individuals who objected to the gathering organised by Perikatan Nasional’s  Youth wing.