KUALA LUMPUR – The Women’s March Malaysia organisers are being probed by police for alleged offences under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012 and the Minor Offences Act (MOA) 1955.
Malaysiakini reported that Dang Wangi police chief Noor Dellhan Yahaya confirmed the investigation under Section 15 of the PAA and Section 14 of the MOA.
“Aside from organisers submitting their notice under the PAA, we (police) have set (other) conditions.
“Based on our probe, we have opened investigation papers against the organiser for breaching certain conditions,” Noor Dellhan told the news portal.
Both sections relate to the conduct of the rally – an alleged breach of conditions set by police as well as displays of “insulting behaviour”.
“We paired the two (separate) sections. At the rally, there were placards with ‘sensitive’ elements.
“That was among our (initial) advice to the organisers,” he said.
Section 14 of the MOA stipulates that any individual employing indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting language, engaging in threatening or insulting behaviour, or displaying written materials or drawings with the intent to provoke a breach of the peace, or where a breach of the peace is likely to occur, shall be subject to a fine not exceeding RM100.
A breach of PAA conditions under Section 15 is punishable by a fine not exceeding RM10,000.
The Women’s March Malaysia organising committee has refrained from commenting at the moment until additional information regarding the investigation is disclosed, a spokesperson said.
Yesterday, organisers led some 200 participants from the SOGO shopping complex to Dataran Merdeka, highlighting a range of topics including equal citizenship rights, anti-violence against women, the climate crisis, Orang Asli rights and equal wages for women.
International Women’s Day is commemorated worldwide on March 8, where diverse rallies not only celebrate inclusivity but also foster awareness about various contemporary issues. – March 10, 2024