He said that the police were still processing the application and gathering information on its purpose.
He said: “We are studying it and will decide once all the relevant information has been gathered from all parties.”
The police should explain why it is taking such a long time to process the application for a permit for the Mammoth Anti-Toll Public Rally - which does not speak well for the efficiency of the police force. There is no need for the police to gather any information as the purpose of the public rally is clear - for Malaysians from all over the country to send a clear and unmistakable message to the government about public opposition to unfair highway privatisation and unfair highway tolls.
The public rally is organised by the Coalition Against Toll. I expect 20,000 to 30,000 people to attend the public rally which will be addressed by a galaxy of political leaders and NGOs representatives, like Datin Seri Dr. Azizah Ismail of ADIL, Fadzil Noor of PAS, Syed Husin Ali of Parti Rakyat Malaysia, Dr. Mohamad Nasir Hashim of Socialist Party of Malaysia, Dr. Chandra Muzaffar, Rustam Sani, Jomo K.S. and Tian Chua.
I call on the police not to discriminate against the Opposition and NGOs and to immediate approve a permit for the public rally at Bukit Jalil Stadium - as Barisan Nasional Ministers and leaders are also invited to address the rally. I am sure the police would have no hesitation in approving a police permit if the public rally is to support highway tolls.
(17/2/99)