KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 — Those protesting against the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) should not hold it at the city’s iconic Dataran Merdeka tomorrow but should gather at Padang Merbok as previously agreed, the police said today.
Dang Wangi police chief ACP Zainol Samah noted that the organisers Gabungan Kongres Rakyat had previously agreed to hold tomorrow’s anti-TPPA protest at Padang Merbok if given the approval by city authorities.
“The police asks the participants of the rally to not gather at Dataran Merdeka and should be at Padang Merbok. The police will not hesitate to take firm action if laws are breached and they are required to follow the police’s advice,” he said in a statement today.
According to Zainol, he had on January 12 received a notice regarding this weekend’s rally from the organisers, which the police had met on January 18 and January 20.
He said the police had advised the organisers to get the nod from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for their rally venue, adding that the organisers had in the second meeting agreed to use Padang Merbok if the Dataran Merdeka venue was not approved.
DBKL had yesterday granted permission for the rally organisers to use Padang Merbok, he said.
Zainol also advised the rally organisers to ensure that the event proceeds peacefully.
“The organisers should also ensure that there are no groups that incite violence,” he said.
Zainol said the police will be there facilitate matters if their advice is heeded.
