Police reject application for Tun Mahathir-Nazri debate

Nuradzimmah Daim
New Straits Times

IPOH: Police have rejected an application for the debate between Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz.

State acting police chief Datuk Hasnan Hassan said the application to hold the much-anticipated event, scheduled for this Saturday by media group Karangkraf, was rejected, as it does not fulfil requirements under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

He said under Section 9 (1) of the Act, an application for such an assembly must be submitted to the respective district police chief at least 10 days prior to the event.

“Kuala Kangsar district police chief ACP Ahmad Termizi Abd Haq only received the application at 3pm on March 20,” he said in a statement today.

He also said that the venue for the debate, Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) Sultan Azlan Shah Kuala Kangsar, is a prohibited area, as listed under the act.

“We have also received written objections, namely, eight police reports lodged by residents in the area, who had raised safety concerns.

“We informed the organiser yesterday and will send a written explanation today.”

Nazri says still showing up for debate, hopes Dr M will follow suit

KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 — Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz today insisted he will attend his proposed debate with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that has been rejected by Perak police.

The Umno leader also criticised the police for denying approval for the event, saying that Malaysia was not a “police state”.

“I will still go and I hope he (Dr Mahathir) attends as well,” Nazri told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

Earlier today, Kuala Kangsar police district chief ACP Ahmad Termizi Abd Haq said the application was rejected for failing to meet the 10-day notice required by the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (PAA).

Nazri questioned why the assembly law should be invoked for his proposed debate with the former prime minister at the MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) Padang Rengas this Saturday, March 25.

“Even if this come under PAA, I obtained permission from the venue owners (MARA),” he said.

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