Take your protests away from Jalan T.A.R, opposition told

The opposition parties have their own favourite spots in the capital city to hold illegal gatherings. Usually, they begin by assemblying in the bustling vicinity of the Sogo shopping centre at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR).

Later, the crowd spreads out to neighbouring Jalan Masjid India, with other groups of supporters heading out to Dataran Merdeka, the Central Market and National Mosque.

The venue of the most recent illegal gathering by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's supporters, who were protesting the imprisonment of the opposition leader, was no different.

Angkatan Muda Keadilan, Parti Keadilan Rakyat's (PKR) Youth wing, head Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad claimed that the public area around Sogo was ideal for them to gather and speak their mind.

But why do they choose the rather narrow and congested Jalan TAR as their meeting point? It is not like there is a dearth of more suitable locations where they can express their right to freedom of speech.

PUBLIC PLACE TEEMING WITH PEOPLE

Prof Datuk Abdul Halim Sidek, who is secretary of the National Council of Professors' Politics, Security and International Affairs Cluster, felt that the opposition deliberately chose Jalan TAR as it knew fully well how crowded the area, which was popular with shoppers, was during weekends. The crowd, he added, would give one the impression that the opposition had succeeded in attracting a huge turnout for their gathering.

"A lot of Malays frequent Jalan TAR, either to shop or to go to work... hence if any gathering is held there, it will seem as though it is being supported by people from all walks of life, especially Malays. But then, they are there to shop or for other purposes," he said, when contacted by Bernama.

He said although there were other shopping areas in the capital city, such as Bukit Bintang, they were not favoured by the opposition as they were mostly filled with tourists and foreigners.

"In other places, they (the opposition) may not get the attention or sympathy they are hoping for... they prefer areas frequented by locals in order to get their sympathy.

"This is why they are making a beeline for a place which is teeming with people, and is very busy and congested, even though they are aware that their actions will inconvenience many people," he said.

NO GUILT FEELINGS

Don't the opposition leaders, who claim that they are championing the rights of the people, feel guilty or have any empathy for the people whose livelihoods are affected as a result of illegal street protests or gatherings?

According to Abdul Halim, the demonstrators were merely motivated by self-interest, with nary a care for the well-being of those who had to eke out a living or who were going shopping with their families and friends or just chilling out together.

He said each time an illegal gathering was held, petty traders and shopkeepers were forced to shut down their premises, causing them to incur substantial losses.

Batu Road Retailers Association President Datuk V.K. Liew said an illegal gathering could typically result in some 100 businesses putting up their shutters and suffering losses to a tune of RM10 million.

It was reported that the Jalan TAR business community had suffered losses estimated at a staggering RM200 million due to loss of business and damages to their property as a result of an illegal gathering organised by the opposition's Abolish ISA Movement in 2009.

Abdul Halim said the blind buskers who performed at the various shopping areas at Jalan TAR were also badly hit each time an illegal gathering was held there.

"They (protesters) act as if they are very powerful, and if the ruling government doesn't listen to them, they think they can wreak havoc and cause hardship to the people," he said.

VOICING OUT THROUGH PROPER CHANNELS

According to Abdul Halim, the opposition could use other channels, such as Parliament, to broadcast their grievances, without inconveniencing the public.

"They can seek consultation or write petitions... those who are Members of Parliament can have their voices heard in Parliament, and since Selangor is ruled by them, they can raise whatever issue they have at the State Legislative Assembly.

"Why go to the streets? Why choose this when it's very clear that it makes things difficult and complicated for the public?" he asked.

While acknowledging that people had the right to assemble if they had a valid police permit, he said the opposition was reluctant to apply for a permit because they knew the police would not allow them to have it at their favourite venue.

"In the event the district police chief receives an application (for a permit), he will make sure that the venue for the gathering is a stadium or field situated away from public housing areas and shopping centres. This is to ensure that the peoples' livelihoods are not jeopardised and there's no damage to public property.

"Therefore, any gathering held in a location which can inconvenience the public is clearly illegal... the organisers wouldn't even have applied for a permit and yet they will accuse the government of not giving them an avenue to express their views," he said.

ACT MORE FIRMLY

Abdul Halim said the authorities should act more firmly against the organisers of illegal gatherings, who were clearly flouting the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, Section 143 of the Penal Code and Police Act 1967.

"They are bold enough (to hold illegal gatherings) because our enforcement is lax... even if they didn't apply for a permit, the police don't take any action against them.

"When a motorist commits a traffic offence, he receives a summons. Likewise, why not take immediate action against those who organise illegal gatherings to deter them from violating the laws of the nation as and when they like," he added.

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by Norshazlina Nor'azman