Dismissing statements from some quarters that the police should not be going after the organiser but instead the perpetrators of the violence and chaos that happened during the forum, Khalid said the organisers should know their responsibility under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012.
“The PAA is clear in that the responsibility to maintain the security and safety of participants and in the venue falls on the organiser.
“So, it is unfair for the organiser and their supporters to blame the police,” he said, adding that the organiser could have consulted the police on what needed to be done to prevent any untoward incidents during the event but “since they didn’t, they have to bear the full responsibility”.
“We were not invited to secure the area inside the venue, so we just provided the necessary security outside the venue.”
He also blamed the organisers for not having tighter control on what the attendees could or could not bring into the venue.
Meanwhile, Khalid said as of this morning, the police have arrested 13 suspects following the violent scenes and chaos that occurred in the Dewan Raja Muda Musa hall on Sunday evening when former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was answering questions from the floor.
Khalid said the individuals who caused this incident will be dealt with accordingly, as the police are investigating the ruckus first before tackling the issue of any failings by the organiser.
“We will be taking action against the organiser later for not complying with the PAA. They cannot wash their hands off this matter,” he said.
Chaos broke out at the forum when projectiles with a pungent chemical odour were hurled to the main stage from where the PPBM and Pakatan Harapan chairman was addressing the audience.
Moments later, flares were also seen flying across the hall causing the venue to be filled with smoke. Punches were said to have been traded as PPBM members rushed on to the stage to protect the 92-year-old leader.
Asked about plans by Jamal Yunos to organise a “Nothing To Hide” forum of his own, Khalid said he could not do anything about it but just reminded the Sungai Besar Umno Division chief to abide by regulations stipulated in the PAA.
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