KUALA LUMPUR: Police have warned participants and organisers of tomorrow's anti-ICERD rally not to create provocations or deliver racially tinged speeches.
City police chief Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim said policemen will monitor security and traffic in the city as well as ensure that the rally goers adhered to orders issued by the police.
"Do not create provocations, avoid making seditious speeches and gather in peace," he said when contacted by NSTP today.
"Rally goers are reminded not to provoke anyone including the police. They must not bring dangerous weapons or children and they must follow our instructions.
"We want a peaceful rally. Do not stir trouble and prevent unwanted incidents.
"To those who are delivering speeches, follow the rules and do not create tension by making seditious or upsetting statements," Mazlan added.
He said police will take strict action against any individuals who try to provoke others, create a commotion, disturb public order or break the law.
"We allow them to gather and we respect the freedom of speech but there are laws like the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 that we have to abide by."
Mazlan also reminded rally goers to use public transport and leave their vehicles outside the assembly zone to prevent traffic congestion.
"We ask members of the public to extend their full cooperation by not spreading speculations or rumours that could affect public order," he said.
On Monday, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall approved the rally, scheduled to take place from 2pm to 6pm at Dataran Merdeka here tomorrow (Dec 8).
Mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan had said the rally goers were allowed to gather at Jalan Raja near Dataran Merdeka and Sultan Abdul Samad building.
On Nov 23, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement saying that the Pakatan Harapan-led government would not ratify ICERD and would continue to uphold the Federal Constitution to defend the social contract that had been agreed upon by all races during the formation of this country.
Following the statement, Ummah secretariat head Aminuddin Yahaya announced that the rally at Dataran Merdeka would still be held as a ‘thanksgiving’ gathering.
Originally, it was to be a protest rally over Malaysia’s plans to ratify the ICERD but Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir has said the ratification of ICERD would be difficult for Malaysia.