The people come out to the street and other public places to express themselves - to let others know of their position and stance on certain matters.
The importance of the freedom of expression and freedom of opinion - is so that OTHERS are aware of it, so that others may be convinced to join the cause or to show support to the cause.
It is useless for persons who want to do this to go to some secluded area...or some enclosed area...and shout "Abolish ISA" or carry posters. It is stupid.
It is a public protest...and the object is ADVOCACY...lobbying the unconvinced or the rest of the people...
The object of a public protest or act of expression is to show NUMBERs - i.e. that this is a matter that many support. And in Malaysia, it would also mean that it is something that people consider really important - so important that I am willing to face potential arrest, potential assault and battery by the police, tear gas, water cannons...
There are other avenues of expressing oneself - but different people express themselves differently...and that is their right.
I should not be required to get anyone's permission before I be allowed to assemble and express myself...
That is why I cannot agree that persons should apply and get police permits before exercising their right to assemble peacefully and express themselves on particular issues.
And, if you have had the experience of trying to get police permits, you would realize that it is a 'stupid exercise'....and the police, normally imposes unacceptable conditions, and delays in the granting of the permit until the 11th hour - so that you would not have the time to mobilize people to attend the protest...
And that is why I am shocked with PR Selangor Menteri Besar, who really do not understand the purpose of public assembly and expression - and this continuous struggle of all freedom loving Malaysians to resist that "get permission from police first" provisions in Malaysian laws..
Hold in in enclosed areas...like multi-purpose Halls - what is the use? Who will see the expression of those assembled..
Further, try getting permission to use these Halls, usually under the Local Council. And are they free...NO they are not. And mind you, they come with conditions as well...and then you will have to comply with the conditions of the Hall owner...the conditions of the police, etc..
Recent assembly of protest in PJ against the ISA got the permit - with the condition that no anti-ISA T-shirts be worn by participant, no speeches ...
"...it shouldn't be more than 15 minutes..." - really this man is stupid and have no understanding of the freesom of assembly and protest...
There really is no difference, is there whether it was Khir Toyo (BN) or Khalid Ibrahim (PKR-PR)...
I feel that we need to get a new MB that will better reflect and practice the values and principles of Pakatan Rakyat ...of the REFORMASI....of the Makkal Sakti...
What do you think?
The importance of the freedom of expression and freedom of opinion - is so that OTHERS are aware of it, so that others may be convinced to join the cause or to show support to the cause.
It is useless for persons who want to do this to go to some secluded area...or some enclosed area...and shout "Abolish ISA" or carry posters. It is stupid.
It is a public protest...and the object is ADVOCACY...lobbying the unconvinced or the rest of the people...
The object of a public protest or act of expression is to show NUMBERs - i.e. that this is a matter that many support. And in Malaysia, it would also mean that it is something that people consider really important - so important that I am willing to face potential arrest, potential assault and battery by the police, tear gas, water cannons...
There are other avenues of expressing oneself - but different people express themselves differently...and that is their right.
I should not be required to get anyone's permission before I be allowed to assemble and express myself...
That is why I cannot agree that persons should apply and get police permits before exercising their right to assemble peacefully and express themselves on particular issues.
And, if you have had the experience of trying to get police permits, you would realize that it is a 'stupid exercise'....and the police, normally imposes unacceptable conditions, and delays in the granting of the permit until the 11th hour - so that you would not have the time to mobilize people to attend the protest...
And that is why I am shocked with PR Selangor Menteri Besar, who really do not understand the purpose of public assembly and expression - and this continuous struggle of all freedom loving Malaysians to resist that "get permission from police first" provisions in Malaysian laws..
LARGE gatherings and demonstrations in Selangor are allowed as long as they are held indoors and prior notice is given to the police.
Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said yesterday police would not take action against gatherings held in enclosed areas such as multipurpose halls.
He has also given the green light to participants to extend their activities outdoors for 15 minutes.
"If there is a need to demonstrate outdoors, it shouldn't be more than 15 minutes," he said at the Parliament lobby yesterday.
He said Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar had agreed to these suggestions.
Khalid said all parties, including political parties and non-governmental organisations, should adhere to these rules.- New Straits Times, Dewan Rakyat - Green light for large gatherings indoors
Hold in in enclosed areas...like multi-purpose Halls - what is the use? Who will see the expression of those assembled..
Further, try getting permission to use these Halls, usually under the Local Council. And are they free...NO they are not. And mind you, they come with conditions as well...and then you will have to comply with the conditions of the Hall owner...the conditions of the police, etc..
Recent assembly of protest in PJ against the ISA got the permit - with the condition that no anti-ISA T-shirts be worn by participant, no speeches ...
"...it shouldn't be more than 15 minutes..." - really this man is stupid and have no understanding of the freesom of assembly and protest...
There really is no difference, is there whether it was Khir Toyo (BN) or Khalid Ibrahim (PKR-PR)...
I feel that we need to get a new MB that will better reflect and practice the values and principles of Pakatan Rakyat ...of the REFORMASI....of the Makkal Sakti...
What do you think?
Why your comments ever get into Malaysiakini is beyond me.
ReplyDeleteThe MB has got no control over the Police ! It is the other way round dude.
"He said Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar had agreed to these suggestions" - does that not make it clear as to WHO made the suggestions that would restrict TRUE freedom of assembly and expression.
ReplyDeletePolice approved for the UMNOputras to march on the support of ISA. Why should MB Khalid to agree to the 15 min peaceful congregation outside the enclosed hall? This is not logical and reasonable. If police could give permit to the UMNOputras which was harder to control than these peaceful and cultured rakyats to show their support for the Abolish of ISA. The MB Khalid must allow the peace-able people to meet at the state government premises without even police's interruptions. Was MB Khalid being under-powered??
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