The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH) dan Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) condemn the Dang Wangi Police Chief’s warning to the public not to participate in the upcoming ‘Rakyat Benci Rasuah’ rally scheduled for 25 January 2025, organised by the Rakyat Benci Rasuah Secretariat. We remind the Dang Wangi Police Chief that the Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and that the right to assemble and speak freely is a fundamental freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.
Using minor provisions, such as claiming incomplete notice is an outdated tactic to silence the people’s voices, especially on a critical issue such as corruption, which continues to deeply affect the country.
It is unreasonable for the authorities to attempt to obstruct this peaceful assembly from being held. Instead of carrying out their duty to facilitate the rally so that it is carried out in a peaceful and orderly manner, the authorities continue to use the law to intimidate the public from exercising their constitutional right to assemble. This attempted obstruction raises questions about whether the Dang Wangi Police Chief’s statement was made under pressure from policymakers in government or as an independent decision, further undermining the public's right to peaceful assembly guaranteed by the Constitution.
BERSIH and SUARAM stand in solidarity with the Rakyat Benci Rasuah Secretariat as they take to the streets. The peaceful ‘Rakyat Benci Rasuah’ rally is a manifestation of the people’s will to, once and for all, put an end to corruption, an issue that continues to plague the country involving political leaders across the political spectrum.
We also urge the ministers in power to join in expressing solidarity with this rally. The people’s right to peacefully assemble stands, even if it is an issue you disagree with, and ironically an issue that you have long claimed to fight for.
The people will continue to speak out. If silenced, there is only one response: ‘Fight!’
Joint Press Statement by:
The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH) Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)
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