KUALA LUMPUR — The organisers of the Black 505 rally in Malaysia will face prosecution as they have not received approval to use Padang Merbok for their gathering this weekend, a police official said yesterday.
Dang Wangi police chief Assistant Commissioner Zainuddin Ahmad said that, although the organisers had given the police the required 10-day notice for the rally this Saturday, they have not received approval for the use of the field from City Hall.
He warned that they will be investigated for contravening the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012 if they go ahead with the rally.
Black 505 was created as a movement of protest against allegations of widespread irregularities in the May 5 general election, which saw the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition retain power despite losing the popular vote. The opposition Pakatan Rakyat coalition and rights groups have held several rallies nationwide since then to demand polls reform.
Yesterday, about 20 people held a “mob” in front of the Masjid Jamek LRT Station in Kuala Lumpur to garner support for Saturday’s rally. Armed with placards and banners, the supporters shouted slogans, calling for “Reformasi” and the dissolution of the Elections Commission for its failure to ensure a free and fair general election.
Mr Edy Noor Reduan, Propaganda Director of non-government organisation Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia, insisted it was not a “gathering” but a “spontaneous act” to mobilise support for the rally. Mr Edy, who was among 15 people arrested last Saturday at the first flash mob in front of Sogo mall, said democracy was denied to Malaysians following allegations of fraud during the recent general election.
The group’s coordinator Shariful Azmir Mustafa said two more flash mobs have been planned for today — one in Kuantan and another in Seremban. He added that they were also planning to march to the KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall from Sogo tomorrow. Agencies
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