Rallies not the only way: Pairin
Published on: Saturday, April 25, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: There are other channels to convey problems to the authorities instead of taking it to the ground with rallies.Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said rallies were not necessary to carry expression, more so if it has no approval from the relevant authorities."The matter can be conveyed through letters or meeting directly with the concerned authorities … if we follow the style of holding public rallies then our peace will be jeopardised," he said when asked for comment about Himpunan May Day scheduled for May 1.
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When asked about the intention of the organisers to proceed with the rally despite not having a venue to convene after their application to use Padang Merdeka was not approved by City Hall, Pairin said if the event had not received prior approval then the organisers and participants have to face the law."When you flout the law then what will you expect? You will expect the law to take action against you," he said when met after the laying of wreaths in commemoration of Anzac Day here Friday.Organiser, Bersih Sabah claimed so far 48 organisations had agreed to take part in the rally on May 1.One of the groups, Gegar (Gerakan Anak Muda Menuntut Perubahan) on Friday was adamant with their stand and that it would take place at the Padang Merdeka as planned.
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Its co-ordinator, Harieyadi Karmin said they would proceed with the plan since Padang Merdeka is a public area and it could be utilised by anyone.He said under the Federal Constitution, citizens are guaranteed of their freedom of speech and to assemble peacefully.
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Meanwhile, DAP Sabah Chief, Jimmy Wong said the party supported Himpunan May because of many important issues being raised such as calling for the solution of the illegal immigrant issue, revocation of fake ICs, cleansing of the electoral rolls, abolishment of Section 9A of the Election Act and to make public the proceedings of the investigations of the RCI on illegal immigrants in Sabah. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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