[UPDATED] IGP: Police to facilitate peaceful assembly at Dataran Merdeka

New Straits Times

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Police will facilitate the peaceful assembly scheduled for this Saturday at Dataran Merdeka.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said that maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of all participants were among the force's top priorities.
"The police respect the constitutional right of Malaysians to gather and express their views peacefully, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
"As a law enforcement agency that upholds the Constitution, we respect the people's right to voice their opinions and assemble in a peaceful and orderly manner, in line with the democratic values practised in this country," he said in a statement today.
Khalid added that the police would act as facilitators to ensure the assembly proceeds smoothly, safely, and with due respect to public spaces shared by all.
"We are committed to facilitating this event to ensure the assembly is carried out in a safe and organised manner.
"We greatly appreciate the cooperation of all parties in maintaining harmony throughout the event," he said, advising participants to remain mindful of existing laws and to cooperate in maintaining order and public safety.
He hoped that every voice expressed during the assembly was done respectfully, in keeping with the values of civility and Malaysian cultural norms.
Khalid also urged members of the public not involved in the gathering to plan their journeys early and monitor traffic updates, as traffic flow around Dataran Merdeka was expected to be affected.
"To avoid inconvenience or delays, we advise road users to make early travel arrangements as some traffic diversions may be in place.
"We assure the public that the police will maintain public safety while continuing to respect the rights and freedoms of the people.
"We believe a balance between democratic freedoms and the rule of law can be achieved through close cooperation and shared responsibility," he said, calling on all parties to conduct themselves with maturity and to use the democratic space available constructively and responsibly.
"Let us work together to ensure that every opportunity for democratic expression is used positively, for the benefit of national harmony and the well-being of our society," he said.
It was recently reported that Kuala Lumpur police would deploy additional personnel at 15 transit stations in anticipation of the Turun Anwar rally scheduled for Saturday.
Acting Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad was reported as saying the move was aimed at ensuring public safety, particularly for commuters using public transport that day.
Transport operators have also agreed to station additional personnel for the same purpose.
The 15 stations are:
LRT Stations: KL Sentral, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek, Dang Wangi, Plaza Rakyat, Bandaraya, Sultan Ismail
MRT Stations: Muzium Negara, Merdeka, Bukit Bintang
Monorail Stations: Imbi, Raja Chulan, Bukit Nanas, Medan Tuanku, Chow Kit
Police have received information that the demonstration, which is expected to attract between 10,000 and 15,000 participants, will include representatives from various non-governmental organisations (NGOs), university students, and members of the public.