Sabah Bersih condemns police over court order, denial of rights

Court notices in front of Padang Merdeka

Sabah Bersih today condemned police for denying people their right to voice out their concerns despite giving their word that it would be done in a peaceful manner.

According a spokesman, Jannie Lasimbang, the non-governmental organisation had not been served any court order or notices by police to call off the May 1 Himpunan May Day (HMD) at the Padang Merdeka here.

“Our legal team is ready to challenge and set aside this purported court order which was obtained ex parte.

“If indeed there is such a court order, then Sabah Bersih condemns it and for the way police are denying people their rights under the Federal Constitution to assemble peacefully.

“This will just create chaos for everyone,” she said in a statement.

Lasimbang was responding to city police chief Assistant Commissioner M. Chandra’s statement over their court order, effective from April 27 to May 3, on the HMD rally organiser and 15 others who have been identified.

He said five areas would be off limits to those intending to take part on the rally. Besides the proposed Padang Merdeka, they include Segama Waterfront, Taman Chong Thien Vun, City Hall and City Park.

At least 35 NGOs have endorsed and are to participate in the rally, which will highlight issues such as the long-standing illegal immigration problems, land issues and the newly-implemented Goods and Services Tax, among others.