MELAKA: The state police reminded those intending to show solidarity to Palestinians to adhere to the rule of law while protesting.
Melaka police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Abdul Majid Mohd Ali said those who wished to gather to show their support for the Palestinians during the movement control order or unfurl their flags should do it according to the law and with permission from the relevant authorities.
"We don’t have the intention to curb freedom of expression or curtail the rights of the locals.
“It’s our onus as law-enforcers to ensure that peace and order are in place,” he said when interviewed at Jasin police headquarters here on Thursday (May 20) after holding a press conference on the success of his Commercial Investigation Department in solving a RM1.4mil criminal breach of trust case.
DCP Abdul Majid hopes that those who intended to organise any activity to show support for Palestinians should obtain permission from the authorities first.
He said displaying Palestinian flags should get approval from the respective local governments.
On Wednesday night (May 19), police detained 11 people after two videos of a group of motorcyclists hoisting the Palestinian flag while riding their motorcycles were uploaded on social media.
Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Afzanizar Ahmad said the 11, aged from 17 to 30, were summoned to the Kandang police station to have their statements recorded.
He said the motorcyclists rode their vehicles in a dangerous manner along Jalan Telok Mas here while hoisting a giant flag and their act could place other motorists at risk.
ACP Afzanizar said three of them were released on police bail while the rest were remanded to assist in the investigation under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
He added that investigation is also being carried out under the Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021.
