KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 — Police questioned Bersih 2.0 chief Maria Chin Abdullah and three others today over their role in the #TangkapMO1 rally.
Lawyer Melissa Sasidaran, who represented the four participants of the August 27 protest, said the electoral reforms group head and activist Hishamuddin Rais were investigated at the Dang Wangi police station under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code.
“It was with regards to their speech,” she told Malay Mail Online when contacted today.
Section 505(b) relates to the offence of making statements that will lead to public mischief, and covers statements made with the intent to cause, or is likely to cause fear or alarm to the public where any person may be induced to commit an offence against the state or against public tranquillity.
As for former Bersih 2.0 co-chair A. Samad Said and PKR MP Chua Tian Chang’s secretary, Rozan Ate Mat Rasip, who were also questioned, the lawyer said the duo were investigated under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 that stipulates a maximum RM10,000 fine for rally organisers who fail to give a 10-day advance notice to the police.
Melissa said the police have already questioned about 12 others previously, including students and lawmakers, adding that more people are expected to be called in over the rally.
“The police informed us that anyone seen to be involved in the rally as organisers and those who gave speeches will be called,” she said.
A #TangkapMO1 demonstration initiated by a coalition of university students took place in the capital city on August 27.
Critics claimed the protest to be a front by the federal opposition seeking to topple the Barisan Nasional government, but its organiser has denied the allegation.
