2,000 police personnel to manage July 26 public rally

The Star

19-07-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 2,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed for the 'Himpunan Turun Anwar' rally on July 26, which is expected to attract 15,000 participants.
Acting Kuala Lumpur police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad said personnel would be stationed at all key gathering points, including Sogo shopping mall, Masjid Jamek, Masjid Negara and Pasar Seni, from 11am.
Participants are expected to march to Dataran Merdeka at 2pm.
'We will be there to facilitate the rally and ensure the safety of all involved,' he told reporters at a handover ceremony marking his appointment as acting Kuala Lumpur police chief.
DCP Mohamed Usuf said the rally organisers had notified the police of the gathering.
'We respect the public's right to assemble. However, we urge participants to gather peacefully and avoid any acts of provocation,' he said, adding that participants should refrain from burning objects or raising sensitive issues during speeches at Dataran Merdeka.
'Stern action will be taken against any offences,' he said.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail previously said the police would facilitate the rally despite a Federal Court ruling on July 1 that struck down Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 as unconstitutional, meaning organisers are no longer legally required to notify authorities in advance.
On another matter, DCP Mohamed Usuf said police are awaiting further instructions from the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) regarding the investigation into the alleged assault of singer Shila Amzah.
He confirmed that the investigation paper had been submitted to the AGC and the police had also received a report from Datuk Amy Search, which had been described as a covering report.
On July 10, Shila lodged a police report alleging she was assaulted by a legendary singer, later identified as Amy, father of actress Nabila Huda.
Preliminary findings suggest the incident stemmed from Amy's dissatisfaction with Shila's alleged interference in his family affairs.
Separately, DCP Mohamed Usuf said police are continuing investigations into the abduction of Datin Seri Pamela Ling Yueh, despite a lack of solid leads.
Ling was last seen on April 9, when she was scheduled to appear at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission headquarters in Putrajaya to assist with an investigation.
However, she reportedly vanished on her way there, with CCTV footage later revealing that she was abducted by several men.
No ransom demand has been made to date.