Illegal Rally: DBKL to discuss with police on further action

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will discuss with police on what action to take on organisers of the illegal rally at Dataran Merdeka last night.

City Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib said they will decide on the matter after they hold a special meeting.

"We have yet to identify what appropriate action to take...whether to sue the organiser or any other form of action," he told Bernama here today.

The illegal rally organised by non-governmental organisations (NGO) attended by 4,000 people had disrupted a New Year's Eve concert by DBKL, which had to be stopped half an hour before midnight after rally participants thronged into Dataran Merdeka.

Police named four NGOs involved in organising the illegal event namely Gerakan Turun Kos Sara Hidup, Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM), Jingga 13 and Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM).

Commenting on the losses incurred, Ahmad Phesal said they have not received any reports on losses regarding equipment or property following the rally.

"We haven't received anything yet...but when it (report) is out then we will see the total," he said.

Ahmad Phesal also lauded the efficiency of security personnel in controlling the situation and that no untoward incidents happened last night.

"I am grateful for the cooperation given by the public in not provoking the situation although the fireworks display had to be stopped to avoid the incident from prolonging," he said.

He also added that despite stopping the fireworks display, there was no wastage as it can be used for other events.