Malaysia A Nation Governed By Laws, Najib Reminds Those Intending To Hold Illegal Assemblies

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak tonight reminded people intending to hold illegal demonstrations that Malaysia had laws that must be followed despite the right to peaceful assembly.

"Everyone has their rights. However, we are governed by laws which are applicable to all," he said when asked to comment on plans by certain quarters to hold illegal street demonstrations in the city on July 9.

Asked his views on the the planned demonstrations especially the involvement of Umno Youth, Najib said:"If Bersih (the organisation planning to hold an illegal street demonstration on July 9) wants to do it, Umno Youth also wants to do the same. However, our country is governed by laws."

Najib, who is also chairman of Barisan Nasional, was speaking to reporters after chairing a meeting of the BN's supreme council at Menara Dato Onn here Friday night.

Besides Bersih, a non-governmental organisation, and Umno Youth, Perkasa, a right wing group, also plans to hold a demonstration to counter the one by Bersih, which has been described as a front for trouble-makers out to create chaos in the guise of pushing for electoral reform.

Meanwhile, in PETALING JAYA, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said he was leaving it to the police to deal with the planned demonstrations.

"If I were to make the decisions, all kinds of accusations will be levelled against my ministry, especially if there participants who are detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA)," he told reporters.