Youths decry 'intimidation' after authorities shut down reading event
A youth group has decried what it described as intimidation after authorities allegedly disrupted their book reading and discussion event at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday night.
The National Youth Federation (NYF) said nearly a dozen police officers and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) personnel had approached them, demanding they get police permission to hold such activities in public.
"An officer from the Dang Wangi police Criminal Investigation Department asked if we had...
Summary
NYF claims intimidation after authorities ordered a group of youths to end their reading and discussion event in Dataran Merdeka.
It says law enforcement officers had told them they needed police permission to do such activities in public spaces.
Group stresses reading, discussing, and using a public space peacefully should not be treated like a crime.
A youth group has decried what it described as intimidation after authorities allegedly disrupted their book reading and discussion event at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday night.
The National Youth Federation (NYF) said nearly a dozen police officers and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) personnel had approached them, demanding they get police permission to hold such activities in public.
"An officer from the Dang Wangi police Criminal Investigation Department asked if we had submitted a notice to inform the district police chief.
"This raises a major concern, does the rakyat now have to make an official application to use the public space for a peaceful book reading and discussion activity?" the group asked in a statement today.
According to NYF’s Instagram post, the 9pm programme was to make full use of public spaces to promote a culture of reading and discussion on national issues.
The group claimed that the officers, most of whom were in plainclothes, had ordered them to end the programme and disperse at 10pm without providing a clear legal basis for the instruction.
"The large presence of law enforcement officers and their cold treatment of intellectual and educational activities is a form of intimidation.
"It gives a direct impact on the public sphere, which should be for everyone and safe for all.
"We believe that reading, discussing, and using a public space peacefully should not be treated like a crime. Intellectual culture must be promoted instead of harassed," the group stressed.
Malaysiakini has reached out to the Kuala Lumpur police for comments.
