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The Coaltion of Opposition parties, Barisan Alternative, BA, applied for permit for assembly including using the national stadium at Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The police rejected the applications.

On 5 November 2000, thousands of people assembled at Jalan Kebun, Klang, Selangor. Police arrested 125 people and injured many. There were allegations of brutality.

We maintain that there must be the rule of law. The police must have reasonable criteria to issue permit for a peaceful assembly. If repeated applications are rejected, what do you expect the people to do? If the police do not allow assembly at Jalan Kebun, it could have permitted it in a stadium such as that in Shah Alam that is adjacent to Klang.

We abhor violence. If the police are brutal especially without provocation, they should face disciplinary action. If some people are violent, the police must take action. We do not want this country to degenerate into chaos.

We throw down the gaunlet to the Malaysian Government to investigate the November 5 incident. It should then take appropriate action.

Suhakam, Human Rights Commission

Suhakam did not respond to the incident immediately. Although it is late in its action, we hope it will show professionalism to inquire into the allegations of brutality and the counter allegations by the police.
It should show that it is truly just.

Present a bill to allow peaceful assemblies

The police have many laws such as the Police Act to prevent assemblies. While it is necessary to stop all forms of violence, it is also essential to permit peaceful gatherings. This means that the Government must review all the laws affecting assemblies. Then, it should present a bill setting out reasonable ways of allowing peaceful assemblies.

We are in the new millennium. We are faced with various challenges including globalisation. We should allow people to gather peacefully.

Perception on Malaysian Government

The performance of the Government affects the perception of the people within and outside the country. Although the Government blames other people rather than itself for the poor impression, it should review what it has done.

For example, the Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad speaks in international forums. People accept some of his views such as on the hazards of globalisaton. But, some of his ideas are not accepted. Recently, he appeared among students in Cambridge University, England. These students were from diverse background. They responded differently. Just like successive British Prime Ministers, Dr Mahathir faced boos, hisses and snide comments.

If the Malaysian Government shows that it is up to the mark in most aspects including allowing peaceful assemblies, our Prime Minister should have no qualms about dealing with boos, hisses and snide remarks.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw