Union secretary disappointed by last-minute cancellation of forum with assemblyman

KUCHING: Malaysia Trades Unions Congress (MTUC) Sarawak secretary Andrew Lo has expressed his disappointment over the cancellation of a forum featuring him and Muara Tuang assemblyman Dato Idris Buang, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief.

The session was scheduled to take place at a shopping mall in Kota Samarahan last night, but it was cancelled at the last minute.

“I understand that the organiser (Rise of Sarawak Efforts, or ROSE) did not notify the police at least 10 days before the event, as required under the Peaceful Assembly Act. I am still prepared to participate in the event in the interest of Sarawak youths.

“However, I understand that YB Idris Buang has declined to participate, and has claimed that a police permit is required,” he said.

The forum is supposed to be about job opportunities in Sarawak, following a recent case involving Sarawakians who were victims of a job scam in Cambodia.

Idris and Lo have been involved in heated debates via the media regarding this issue.

According to Lo, there is no requirement for a police permit under the Peaceful Assembly Act – all that is required is for the organiser to provide a 10-day notification prior to the event.

“There are two conflicting Court of Appeal decisions as to whether the 10-day notification is constitutional.

“The police still have the discretion not to interfere after taking into account the nature of the event and whether or not there are any potential serious public order issue. I would have hoped that Idris, being an expolice officer, would use his good office to persuade the police.

“I am also disappointed that the organiser was notified at the last minute, despite the event having been widely published more than 10 days ago.

“The police should have advised the organiser earlier to facilitate peaceful public discourse for the better future for Sarawak, and also (to consider) the inconvenience to those eager to attend the event,” he said.

Lo also hoped ROSE would reschedule the event as soon as possible.

In this respect, it is learnt that via a media advisory issued by ROSE chairperson Ann Teo, the forum would be rescheduled.

Meanwhile, Idris said he had written to ROSE yesterday (March 16), informing the organiser to reschedule the forum to a more suitable date and venue, with proper police permit and after meeting all lawful requirements.

The assemblyman said he was advised by a police officer that there was no police permit sought and obtained by the organiser for the event.

He said he was disappointed that the organiser had not obtained any police permit under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

“Even if the place is a private place but made open to the public at large, it would render the venue a public place by definition.

“Although I was ready and looking forward to participating in the event in the interest of Sarawakians, especially the youths, in view of the situation and also the lack of fulfilling the lawful requirements, I have to regretfully refrain from attending this event – not until ROSE, as the organiser, could guarantee and ensure that all legal procedures are followed and no panellists, including myself, is exposed to any risk whatsoever, including legal prosecution under the said (Peaceful Assembly) Act of 2012.

“As a Sarawak assemblyman, it would be very unbecoming of me to attend any assembly where lawful requirements are not met,” stressed Idris.