Parti Gerakan commends the police for allowing the worker’s day rally to proceed after some negotiation with the organizers. They were even allowed to match in an orderly manner.

It goes to show that, with the agreement of law enforcers on the one hand and protesters on the other, a peaceful incident-free demonstration can be a reality.

The co-operation of the police ensures that public order and security are not compromised, and traffic flow uninterrupted. There is no need for water cannon, tears gas and injury.

Of course, the organizers have to provide reciprocal co-operation. It could have been achieved during the Bersih and Hindraf demonstrations in the past. A thriving democracy includes the right to peaceful assembly.

Dato Dr. S. Vijayaratnam,
Vice President,
Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia.