SPEECHES THAT INCITE HATE, SLANDER, INSULT NATIONAL LEADERS UNACCEPTABLE

KUALA LUMPUR: Organisers of rallies should not make speeches that incite hate, slander or insult national leaders, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said the political secretary in the PKR president office Manivanan Gowin.He said such actions are unacceptable because they not only damage reputations but also disrupt harmony and undermine democracy.'It must be reminded that freedom of speech must be accompanied by a sense of responsibility and organisers must comply with all legal provisions including the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012,' he said in a statement today in response to the rally in Putrajaya yesterday.Manivanan, also a PKR central leadership council member said all parties must ensure open discussions and criticisms do not touch on sensitive issues such as the 3R (race, religion and royalty) to preserve harmony and peace in the country.He stressed that the MADANI government under the leadership of Anwar always adheres to the principles advocated by the party and Pakatan Harapan , including freedom of speech.'The MADANI government is committed to listening to the people's views and is always open to constructive criticism because opinions voiced fairly and ethically can contribute to the nation's development process,' he said.The peace rally held in the public parking area outside of the Seri Perdana Complex, Presint 10 in Putrajaya did not have a gathering permit as stipulated under the Peaceful Assembly Act (Act 736) as it did not receive permission from Putrajaya Corporation, the venue owner.Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa reportedly said 12 individuals, including the organisers, will be called up soon to assist in the investigation under Section 9(5) of the Act.--BERNAMASource: BERNAMA News Agency