A crowd is starting to gather for the solidarity rally in support of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, as he pushes for house arrest to serve the rest of his prison sentence.
According to Sinar Harian, PAS will rally in Putrajaya today (January 6) to show solidarity with Najib while the Court of Appeal hears his request.
“This kind of peaceful assembly doesn’t need a permit”
PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim promised that the rally would be peaceful, claiming it would be even calmer than the Bersih rallies held back when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was in opposition.
“This kind of peaceful assembly doesn’t need a permit, you just have to inform the authorities beforehand,” he explained.
According to China Press, he highlighted that PAS members are very disciplined and a volunteer team (Unit Amal) will be on-site to keep things in check.
“The police shouldn’t have stopped peaceful gatherings. Instead, they should’ve enforced laws to allow them. We also hope the authorities will do their part to ensure no troublemakers show up to stir things up.”
The rally is also to defend the King’s power
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said earlier that the party isn’t backing down on its decision to call supporters to rally in support of Najib.
China Press also reported that PAS agrees with and respects the National Palace’s statement, which confirms that the power to grant pardons lies solely with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under the Federal Constitution.
Takiyuddin clarified that the rally also defends the King’s power and prerogative from being manipulated or kept in the dark while supporting Najib’s legitimate efforts to seek justice through proper legal channels.
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Also read: Istana Negara: The King Has the Authority to Grant Amnesty or Sentence Reductions to Prisoners
