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Student activist, Akmal set for July 1 debate after caricature burning
Student activist, Akmal set for July 1 debate after caricature burning

Free Malaysia Today

time24-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Free Malaysia Today

Student activist, Akmal set for July 1 debate after caricature burning

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh had criticised students who burned a caricature of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at an anti-corruption rally on Saturday. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : A student activist has taken up Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh's offer to meet for a debate after the latter criticised students who recently burned a caricature of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, describing them as 'cowardly and stupid'. Akmal yesterday hit out at rally-goers who set a caricature of Anwar on fire at an anti-corruption rally in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday, labelling such acts disrespectful. He had issued an invitation to any student unhappy with his remarks to arrange a meeting with him. In response, student activist Fakhrurrazzi Khairur Rijal today said he had accepted Akmal's invitation and had agreed to his proposal to meet at 9pm on July 1 for a debate. 'The dignity of students and the freedom of expression must be defended. We are not afraid to speak the truth,' said the National Youth Federation of Malaysia coordinator in a statement. Youth NGO Mandiri and student group Himpunan Advokasi Rakyat Malaysia are helping coordinate the event, with the venue to be announced on their official social media channels. Fakrurrazzi also said he remains open to the head of PKR Youth, Kamil Munim, joining the July 1 debate alongside Akmal. He said the meeting was crucial to defend the dignity of students and their right to freedom of expression, which had been increasingly challenged by the rhetoric of political leaders. Kamil, who is also Anwar's aide at the finance ministry, previously criticised the student protesters in Sabah who burned Anwar's caricature, describing the incident as excessive and rude. The Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally, organised by several Universiti Malaysia Sabah students, ended with the burning of the caricature. More than 100 people took part in the protest to call for action over the Sabah water department scandal. Police are investigating the burning of the caricature under the Sedition Act and Penal Code.

DBKL ticked off for being unreasonable over Dataran Merdeka events
DBKL ticked off for being unreasonable over Dataran Merdeka events

Free Malaysia Today

time18-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Free Malaysia Today

DBKL ticked off for being unreasonable over Dataran Merdeka events

The National Youth Federation of Malaysia accused the city authorities of disrupting a peaceful book-reading and discussion event at Dataran Merdeka last Sunday. PETALING JAYA : A requirement by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for all gatherings at Dataran Merdeka to A requirement by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for all gatherings at Dataran Merdeka to obtain official approval has been described as unreasonable and an example of selective enforcement. A human rights activist, lawyer P Rajsurian, said a recent peaceful book-reading and discussion session which was disrupted by enforcement officers could have qualified as a social activity permitted under the bylaw cited by city hall. He said DBKL's enforcement seemed selective as many other social activities were allowed to go on undisturbed. 'If you go to Dataran Merdeka, especially on weekends, you will see many people engaging in social events like picnicking without being disturbed,' he told FMT. 'Do those who picnic now need to obtain permits as well?' Rajsurian also said the disruption raises serious concerns about how the authorities interpret the constitutional rights on freedom of movement, speech, and assembly. On Tuesday, DBKL said that all events at Dataran Merdeka, regardless of nature, require the mayor's prior approval, citing a city by-law which prohibits speeches, demonstrations, campaigns, or political and social activities without a permit. Events involving public assemblies must also obtain police approval. DBKL's statement came after the National Youth Federation of Malaysia claimed that a peaceful book-reading and discussion event at Dataran Merdeka was disrupted last Saturday. Nalini Elumalai, a senior programme officer with Article 19 Malaysia, said the latest incident showed a continuing intolerance toward freedom of expression. She called for open dialogue on the issue. 'The government should recognise and respect Dataran Merdeka as a legitimate venue for public gatherings and discussions, ensuring it is afforded the same level of access as any other public space in the country,' she said.

Activities at Dataran Merdeka need mayor's approval, says DBKL
Activities at Dataran Merdeka need mayor's approval, says DBKL

Free Malaysia Today

time13-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Free Malaysia Today

Activities at Dataran Merdeka need mayor's approval, says DBKL

The National Youth Federation of Malaysia claimed a book-reading and discussion event it organised at Dataran Merdeka last Saturday was proceeding well until they were told to stop by the police and DBKL. (Instagram pic) PETALING JAYA : Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has reminded the public that all events held at Dataran Merdeka, regardless of their nature, must receive prior approval from the mayor. The city authority said by-law 8 of the Local Government (Dataran Merdeka) (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur) By-Laws 1992 explicitly states that no individual may use the historic square for any speech, demonstration, campaign, political or social activity without a permit from the mayor. 'This requirement is not intended to restrict the organisation of beneficial programmes or activities, but rather to ensure all events comply with existing rules, particularly those concerning cleanliness, safety, and public order,' it said in a statement today. DBKL also said that events involving public assemblies must also secure approval from the police under Section 63 of the Local Government Act 1976. The clarification comes after the National Youth Federation of Malaysia alleged that authorities disrupted a peaceful book-reading and discussion event at Dataran Merdeka last Saturday. The event, called Diskusi dan Buku Jalanan, was reportedly proceeding calmly when the group was approached by about eight to 10 officers – three in DBKL uniform and the rest in plain clothes. According to the group, an officer from the Dang Wangi police station questioned whether they had submitted a notification letter to the police. DBKL also said that early applications would prevent misunderstandings and confusion during routine monitoring on the ground, which was what occurred last Saturday. 'This is especially important as Dataran Merdeka is an iconic tourist destination often used for official and historical events,' it added. Having said that, DBKL said it welcomed youth and community-led events that promoted knowledge, reading and the arts. 'However, organisers are advised to liaise with DBKL to obtain appropriate guidance or approval to avoid misunderstandings and ensure the smooth running of their programmes.'

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