KUALA LUMPUR, 22 FEBRUARY, 2012: The right to assemble is enshrined in Malaysia constitution therefore the Himpunan Hijau 2.0 can be held regardless of the objections against the rally, said Asalkan Bukan Umno (ABU) secretariat S Artuchelvam.
 

Arutchelvam (left) was commenting on the issue where Majlis Perbandaran Kuantan (MPK) has sent a letter denying the plan of the organizers to use MPK field for the Sunday’s gathering.

“It is our rights enshrined by the constitution which was written by our forefathers,” said Arutchelvam who is also Parti Soasialis Malaysia secretary-general.

“The organizers assure that no unwanted incidents will happen,” he added.

Arutchelvam said that the gathering will proceed since they have received positive response from government personnel including Pahang mentri besar, Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.

“The MB is supporting us, this can be seen from his recent media statements.

“Even the Prime Minister is supporting Datuk Seri Adnan Yaacob statements, so I don’t see any problem there.

“We even informed Suhakam, Bar Council and local authorities about the gathering,” said Arutchelvam.

“The only thing that can create unwanted incident during the gathering is when the authorities set up roadblocks and place FRU with their water cannon tanks in the area,” said Arutchelvam.

Himpunan Hijau 2.0 is scheduled to take place on Feb 26 in five locations around Malaysia including Kuantan, Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Merah (Perak), Georgetown and Kota Kinabalu.

The rally is organized by 500 NGOs as well as political party members in their effort to stop the Lynas plant in Gebeng, Kuantan from operating.

- mD