Does the May Day court order create more public disorder than the rally?

Question

Accepted Answer

The May Day Court Order Creates More Public Disorder Than the Planned Rally

Sabah Bersih 2.0 vice chairman Jannie Lasimbang asserts that the court order prohibiting public gatherings in the city centre on May Day is generating greater public disorder than the rally itself. This order is effectively disrupting public movement by preventing people from accessing public spaces, an outcome Lasimbang argues is more disruptive than the intended two-hour gathering. The court order, obtained by city police chief assistant commissioner M. Chandra, is intended to safeguard public safety and order, but its broad scope is causing significant inconvenience.
Scope of the Court Order's Impact

The court order, which is in effect from April 27 to May 3, encompasses five key areas: Padang Merdeka, City Park, Segama waterfront, Dataran Bandaraya, and Taman Chong Thien Vun, along with their surrounding vicinities. Initially, the rally was planned for Padang Merdeka, a specific location. However, the court order's expansive reach prohibits individuals from being present in these five prominent public areas, leading Lasimbang to describe the situation as Kota Kinabalu being "on lockdown."
Legal Challenges and Concerns

Lasimbang and her team are exploring options to challenge the ex-parte court order, which was applied for and granted without the presence or representation of the 16 named respondents. She highlighted that two politicians, Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing and Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, were named in the order despite having no connection to the rally or its organisers. This inclusion, she contends, unfairly links them to opposition parties to which they are not affiliated.
Objectives of the Planned Rally

The rally, scheduled to take place on May Day, has garnered support from approximately 48 civil society groups. Organisers anticipate a turnout of around 10,000 participants for the two-hour event. The primary objective of the gathering is to provide a platform for discussing public grievances related to issues such as illegal immigrants, land rights, and the goods and services tax.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Does the May Day court order create more public disorder than the rally?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends