KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 — Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) reaffirmed today that no illegal gatherings will be allowed at Dataran Merdeka, after it closed the historic square amid candlelight vigils held for the release of activist Maria Chin Abdullah.
DBKL socio-economic development executive director Datuk Mohd Saufi Muhammad said the historic field is under the custody of KL Mayor Datuk Mhd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz, and the latter had the right to extend the closure of Dataran Merdeka.
“Even before this, we never allowed any gatherings at Dataran Merdeka. That’s why KL Mayor has issued an order to close Dataran Merdeka for any activities.
“Our stand is firm — that we don’t allow any unlawful gatherings to take place at the area,” he told reporters in a press conference after attending a dialogue session with the Immigration Department and traders here.
Police detained Maria on November 18, a day before the Bersih 5 rally, under Section 124C of the Penal Code that criminalises the attempt to commit activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy, and invoked the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) for the arrest. Sosma permits the police to hold individuals for up to 28 days without trial.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said yesterday that the candlelight vigils that have been happening since Monday night were in violation of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 that requires prior notice to be served to the police.
DBKL announced Tuesday night that Dataran Merdeka would be closed in the evenings until November 29.
