Hishammuddin: Police Will Take Necessary Action if Assembly Held at Dataran Merdeka

(Bernama) - Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein said the police would take the necessary action from the security aspects if the organisers of a planned rally at Dataran Merdeka this weekend are adamant about proceeding with it.

"We have already compromised and offered alternative venues to them...but if they choose to be stubborn, it will be up to the police (to take the necessary action," he said.

He said it was the police's responsibility to ensure public order was not threatened by anyone.

"I hope the organisers can assemble at the alternative venues offered in the spirit of political transformation and changes brought about by the government.

As such, all parties should contribute towards building a healthy and mature democracy in the country," he told reporters here today.

Asked on the actions police might take if the rally planned by non-governmental organisations with the support of opposition parties goes ahead at Dataran Merdeka, Hishammuddin said:"It will depend on the actions of the organisers." 

He said police had been instructed to be fully prepared to face any eventuality based on past experiences on similar assemblies.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has denied permission to the organisers to hold the assembly at Dataran Merdeka citing that the square is reserved for national events and instead offered Stadium Titiwangsa, the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium and Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium as alternative venues.

Hishammuddin added that he hoped the organisers of the rally could accept the alternative venues as there was still time to switch locations.