KUALA LUMPUR: The organiser of "Save Malaysia" rally disrespects the citizens by going ahead to hold it on Malaysia Day.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the organiser should not have chosen to do it on the date which is significant to Malaysians especially to Sabah and Sarawak people.
"Unfortunately they chose that date though they have so many other dates.
"It is clear they do not respect the spirit of tolerance and respect, especially to our Sabah and Sarawak people.
"They chose it for reasons they know best," he said when he met the press after attending World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023 at Dorsett Putrajaya Hotel here today.
He said the police have already listed the do's and don'ts of holding the rally.
This includes the venue, which should not be near places of worship and also petrol stations, among others.
"Go by the law. They (should) know the responsibility.
"I am a product of street protests, back then there is Police Act.
"Then we debated and passed the Peaceful Assembly Act.
"There are responsibilities for the organiser, the participants, and also the safety officers," he added.
The rally was initiated by Perikatan Nasional to protest the discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) granted to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on 47 corruption-related charges over the alleged misappropriation of funds belonging to Yayasan Akal Budi.
It was initially planned to be held nearby Sogo shopping mall on Malaysia Day this Saturday, but the venue was changed to accommodate police recommendation.