KUALA LUMPUR, September 14 — Despite not having obtained a police permit and facing inquiries from the authorities, the organizers of Perikatan Nasional’s “Save Malaysia” rally remain determined to proceed with the event this Saturday. Rally organizer Badrul Hisham Shaharin, widely known as Chegubard, has affirmed that the event is still in the planning stages despite what he describes as “intimidation” from the authorities.
“We will have a coordination meeting to finalize the details,” Badrul Hisham stated. He added, “We will make an announcement tomorrow once everything has been sorted out.” He mentioned that they are anticipating the participation of thousands in the rally, which is scheduled to take place in the heart of the city. However, specific details regarding the event are yet to be confirmed.
Badrul Hisham urged all Malaysians to participate in the rally, which coincides with Malaysia Day, tomorrow. “We will finalize the route and make a proper announcement. Our priority is the safety of all rally participants,” he emphasized.
The primary objective of the rally, as stated by Badrul Hisham, is to “champion freedom of speech and voice our intention to march and save Malaysia.” He also raised concerns about the dropping of charges against Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, despite the prosecution initially finding a prima facie case.
Regarding the possible participation of the “Red Shirts” led by Umno’s Datuk Seri Jamal Yunos, Badrul Hisham asserted that it is their right to gather. “We are pro-freedom of speech, so if those from the opposing side want to join, then by all means,” he said.
Police have recorded statements from several key figures, including Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, Perikatan Youth chief Fadhli Shaari, and Gombak Setia assemblyman Muhammad Hilman Idham, regarding the rally. However, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid stated that the police have not received any application to hold the rally, contrary to the organizers’ claims that they submitted a notice to the Dang Wangi police the previous Sunday.