KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional’s Dr Afif Bahardin said deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay should not prevent politicians from speaking about people’s concerns.
“Don’t stop the politicians from speaking up. He is now the deputy IGP, not the chief of the counter-terrorism division any more.
“He should see us as part of Malaysian society. We love our country, and want reforms and people’s rights to be defended.
“We are speaking up for the people,” Afif said after he gave his statement at the Dang Wangi police headquarters today.
Afif, who is also the Taman Medan assemblyman, added that Ayob should also understand PN’s “Selamatkan Malaysia” rally on Saturday was about the people’s concerns.
Earlier today, police recorded statements from 10 people involved in the Sept 16 rally.
PN politicians and NGOs had marched from Masjid Jamek, Kampung Baru to the Dang Wangi police headquarters to lodge a report against deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s conditional discharge on corruption charges.
Police had said the rally was “illegal”, having previously rejected PN’s application to stage the march, claiming the information provided was incomplete and did not meet the requirements under the Peaceful Assembly Act.
Meanwhile, Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, co-organiser of the rally, told reporters the process of taking his statement was “smooth”.
He said he was one of 10 people called today to assist the police in their investigation, adding that no one had been charged up till that point.
“Right now, they are only taking statements,” the Bersatu leader said.
Tun Faisal said he was questioned about the rally and the police report he made about Zahid.
He added that the rally had proceeded peacefully.
“To the best of my knowledge, there was no clash between us and the police, or damage to any property. I think this means that everything went peacefully without provocation or conflict,” he added.