Rally should be allowed, says Suhakam as govt attempts to block anti-graft protest near Sogo
The rights commission reiterates growing criticism of the government and police in attempt to stop rally
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The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has added its voice to mounting calls for the authorities to allow an anti-corruption rally in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow after the government and police insisted that organisers get permission from owners and occupants of the two public venues where the gathering is to be held.
Suhakam chairman Mohd Hishamudin Yunus said the conditions imposed on the organisers were not relevant as both Dataran Merdeka and the area outside the Sogo shopping centre are public places.
He also said that the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) stipulates that organisers only need to notify the police five days before a gathering to ensure that it runs smoothly.
"Suhakam's position is that the assembly should be allowed," Hishamudin told MalaysiaNow when asked about the commission's position on the matter.

"The issue of permission from the landowners does not arise as the event is being held in a public place and not on private property," he said, adding that the right to assemble is enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.
Hishamudin called on the police to facilitate the rally participants tomorrow.
Police have claimed the rally organised by Sekretariat Rakyat Benci Rasuah was in violation of PAA as the organisers had not obtained permission from premise owners, a position immediately repeated by Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution.
Vocal rights lawyer Zaid Malek said that not only were the government and police making absurd demands, but it also showed the hypocrisy of the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.
"This tactic of imposing unlawful and unnecessary requirements is a tactic we have seen before under the old BN government, and it is sickening that it continues under the unity government led by PH," said Zaid, who is also the legal adviser for the organisers.
The rally will start from the Sogo shopping centre to Dataran Merdeka, where PH has held many rallies in the last two decades when it was the opposition.
"During Bersih 4, PH leaders had condemned this same demand by police to obtain permission to enter Dataran Merdeka. It is thus sheer hypocrisy for Saifuddin Nasution and the Madani government to insist we now get permission to march to Dataran," Zaid said.
Zaid said organisers had fully complied with PAA.
"Permission from owner or occupier of premises does not arise as the rally will be held in public places. Dataran Merdeka and the road in front of Sogo would fall under the definition of 'public place' under Section 3 of PAA," he said, adding that police had also not responded to organisers' request for a meeting to resolve the matter.
"It shows their intention to hinder the rally from taking place."
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