Gerakan Turun Kos Sara Hidup (TURUN) is going ahead with its New Year’s Eve gathering at Dataran Merdeka despite the arrest of their leader Mohd Azan Safar.
“We are still going ahead with the gathering. We are not linked to any effort to topple the government, that’s a baseless accusation,” said a TURUN crew who refused to be named.
TURUN, he said, is not committing any offence and the reason for the rally is to urge the government to do something on the rising cost of living.
“We want the government to delay the Goods and Service Tax (GST); to end corruption; to break the monopolies such as sugar; to review toll concessions and restructure the subsidy system,” he said.
“It is also untrue that we are going against parliamentary democracy. We believe what we are doing is democratic. It is not anarchy, that, would spoil the system."
While he claimed that TURUN is in the process of notifying the police, as required under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012; Dang Wangi district police chief Zainuddin Ahmad, when contacted, disputed that.
“The group has not given us anything in writing and that itself is already an offence," said Zainuddin.
"If they say they insist on going ahead, we will take the necessary actions and charge them in court, “ he told Astro AWANI.
Zainuddin said that the police are taking this matter seriously and urged the public to be extra careful on December 31.
“We can’t tell the public to not go out because there would be many people celebrating the new year there. But please don’t get involved with the group,” he said.
On Monday, Mohd Azan, 24, a student activist who is also TURUN chairman, was arrested at 11.30pm while he was having supper.
Police said that they are holding him under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act which involves informing the police about gatherings; as well as Section 124C of the Penal Code for attempting to commit activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.
He is being linked to a supposed gathering that talks about ‘toppling the government’ in front of Kelab Sultan Sulaiman.
This morning, a magistrate rejected the police’s request for a remand to detain Mohd Azan for another week.
He is expected to be released tonight.
Teoh El Sen
Tue Dec 24 2013
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.