Honour the right to assemble peacefully
Syerleena Abdul RashidPublished: Oct 14, 2014 4:59 AM | Updated: Oct 14, 2014 5:02 AM
All enforcers of the law must remember to respect our federal constitution when upholding the law. Although there was a considerable amount of police presence at the Penang esplanade on Oct 12, the attackers were not quickly apprehended. If they were, one can safely assume that news of such deplorable acts would not have sufficed in today’s news.
The attackers launched a tirade of incredibly bigoted slogans which did not reflect the courteous and well mannered culture our federal government continuously reminds us whenever news of racially motivated intimidation occurs.
After all, our constitution guarantees us a certain level of freedom of speech and assembly, stated under Article 10 (clause1) (a): every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression; while (b) states: all citizens have the right to assemble peaceably and without arms;
The events that occurred during Himpunan Aman organized by Suaram and Gabungan Hapuskan Akta Hasutan (GHAH) on Oct 12, at Speaker’s Square, Penang, reaffirms that there is a need to address the seriousness to honour the right to assemble peacefully.
The chaos created by several dozen rowdy individuals who hurled numerous verbally abusive remarks and attempted to instigate physical harm upon the event organizers and innocent bystanders, is abhorrent. Action should be taken against those responsible for crossing the line between civility and mayhem.
But dealing with the mob mentality is never an easy thing - it is a matter that requires enforcers of the laws, the police, to take immediate action to prevent violence from escalating.
These enforcers have the responsibility to guarantee neutrality and equality in enforcing the laws, as stated in our federal constitution under Article 8 (Clause 1): All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law. (Clause 2): Except as expressly authorised by this constitution, there shall be no discrimination against citizens on the ground only of religion, race, descent, place of birth or gender in any law or in the appointment to any office or employment under a public authority or in the administration of any law relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of property or the establishing or carrying on of any trade, business, profession, vocation or employment.
Our police who have been given the responsibility to uphold justice, law and order, must carry out their duties while remaining absolutely neutral. They must not be swayed by political parties or extremities in order to deliver just decree and apprehend those responsible for disrupting order.
SYERLEENA ABDUL RASHID currently serves as Bukit Bendera DAP Youth secretary and Bukit Bendera DAP Wanita political education director. The views expressed in this article are her personal opinion.
The attackers launched a tirade of incredibly bigoted slogans which did not reflect the courteous and well mannered culture our federal government continuously reminds us whenever news of racially motivated intimidation occurs.
After all, our constitution guarantees us a certain level of freedom of speech and assembly, stated under Article 10 (clause1) (a): every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression; while (b) states: all citizens have the right to assemble peaceably and without arms;
The events that occurred during Himpunan Aman organized by Suaram and Gabungan Hapuskan Akta Hasutan (GHAH) on Oct 12, at Speaker’s Square, Penang, reaffirms that there is a need to address the seriousness to honour the right to assemble peacefully.
The chaos created by several dozen rowdy individuals who hurled numerous verbally abusive remarks and attempted to instigate physical harm upon the event organizers and innocent bystanders, is abhorrent. Action should be taken against those responsible for crossing the line between civility and mayhem.
But dealing with the mob mentality is never an easy thing - it is a matter that requires enforcers of the laws, the police, to take immediate action to prevent violence from escalating.
These enforcers have the responsibility to guarantee neutrality and equality in enforcing the laws, as stated in our federal constitution under Article 8 (Clause 1): All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law. (Clause 2): Except as expressly authorised by this constitution, there shall be no discrimination against citizens on the ground only of religion, race, descent, place of birth or gender in any law or in the appointment to any office or employment under a public authority or in the administration of any law relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of property or the establishing or carrying on of any trade, business, profession, vocation or employment.
Our police who have been given the responsibility to uphold justice, law and order, must carry out their duties while remaining absolutely neutral. They must not be swayed by political parties or extremities in order to deliver just decree and apprehend those responsible for disrupting order.
SYERLEENA ABDUL RASHID currently serves as Bukit Bendera DAP Youth secretary and Bukit Bendera DAP Wanita political education director. The views expressed in this article are her personal opinion.
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