KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — The Demi Malaysia youth group that organised this afternoon’s #TangkapNajib rally has condemned the arrest of some 29 participants and insisted that the event had been lawful despite the authorities previously claiming otherwise.
The group also accused the police of breaking their promise not to cause any disruptions during the event, which they said was to ensure that the protesters stayed at one venue.
“What transpired seems to suggest that the authorities will go all the way, ignoring the supremacy of the Federal Constitution and fundamental human rights, and even breaking promises after promises,” Suaram programme coordinator Tarmizi Anuwar said during a candlelight vigil outside the Jinjang police lockup where the 29 arrested activists are currently being held.
The group insisted that Article 10 of the Federal Constitution gives them the right to assemble peacefully.
They also cited the Peaceful Assembly Act and the Court of Appeals’ decision in PKR Youth leader Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad’s case, which they said ultimately meant that such assemblies can proceed without any need to provide the police with a 10-day advance notice.
Demi Malaysia also revealed that today’s rally was meant to be a “litmus test” for Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who was earlier this week appointed to the post of deputy prime minister, replacing Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
“But their (police) reaction shows they will ignore our fundamental liberties,” Demi Malaysia programme coordinator Adrian Lim said.
According to the group, the 29 protesters arrested, which includes six women, are aged between 14 to 69.
Among those arrested are Teja assemblyman Chang Lih Kang, Simpang Pulai assemblyman Tan Kar Hing, political aide Jay Jay Denis as well as student activists Fahmi Zainol and Muhammad Safwan Anang.
They will have remand hearings tomorrow at the Jinjang Lockup, the group said.
The detainees will be investigated under Section 124 and Section 143 of the Penal Code, which covers unlawful assemblies and activities that threaten parliamentary democracy respectively.
This comes after activists Adam Adli Abd Halim and Syukri Rezab, who are organisers of the #TangkapNajib protest, were arrested at the Dang Wangi police station yesterday after a meeting there with police.
