PAS' Feb 18 rally can go ahead if meets requirements - Nazri

There are no obstacles for PAS to organise a rally at Dataran Merdeka here on Feb 18 provided they abide by the stipulated rules and get the go-ahead from the police and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, said UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

The Tourism and Culture Minister said that based on the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, the government could not stop any party from organising rallies or demonstrations so long as they they complied with it and related regulations.

"I think they are entitled to do so as long as they follow the conditions and receive permission from the relevant authorities," he told a press conference after opening the 24-Drum Performance World's Largest Celebration at Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Tsun Jin in Kampung Pandan, here, Sunday.

He said this when asked to comment on the statement by PAS' deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man that the party planned to hold the rally at Dataran Merdeka on Feb 18 to explain to the people specifically Muslims on amendments to the Syariah Courts Act (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, otherwise known as Act 355.

PAS wants to use the platform to clarify the appropriateness of the Private Member's bill tabled by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang related to the amendment and why it must be supported by all Muslims, in particular members of Parliament.

Meanwhile, the 24-Drum Performance World's Largest Celebration, with 388 participants from various races and ages, entered the Malaysia Book of Records. - Bernama