Police dispersed a grassroots assembly of over 100 people last night, who had gathered at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, in solidarity with the worldwide 'Occupy' movement.

They called themselves the KL People's Assembly, touted as a platform for free expression and direct participatory democracy.

"We are exploring democratic participation beyond elections. The goal is to increase public participation in politics as well as decision-making," said Fahmi Reza ( right ), one of the movement's participants.

However, their discussions had barely started when police ordered the group to disperse.

After deciding on the matter by popular vote, the assembly dispersed peacefully but loitered about and continued to occupy the square.

Assistant Superintendent Karthik W, who led the team of about 15 police officers, said that he was acting on behalf on the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), which manages Dataran Merdeka.

occupy dataran merdeka 151011 police "There are rules and regulations on Dataran Merdeka. Not all activities can be done here," said Karthik.

There were members of the public watching a football match on a large screen nearby without any trouble.

Rationale not understood

Bar Council human rights committee chairperson Andrew Khoo, who was observing the event said he failed to understand the rationale behind the dispersal order, and called on DBKL to understand the reasons behind its regulations rather than "mechanically" enforcing it.

"I think it is ludicrous that DBKL would break up a peaceful gathering of people just sitting around wanting to talk to each other.

"We can be idiots watching the TV, that's okay. But we can't be intellectuals sitting around and talking to each other," Khoo chided.

NONE However, the group reconvened when the police left, and dispersed again when they returned.

Eventually, they were confronted by a police officer toting a sub-machinegun and bearing orders from the Dang Wangi police's Traffic and Public Order Division for the group to disperse.

Nevertheless, he granted the group's request for another 30 minutes, after which they adjourned to another location at 1am.

Earlier, the group organised a string of performances and field games starting at 4:20pm, including a juggling show, a poetry recital, and musical performances.

A potluck picnic was also prepared before the group got down to business with their People's Assembly.

It was slated to cover issues like monetary system, free education, and capitalism, before being disrupted by police.

Instead, the group's discussion quickly turned to ways to deal with the police.

They also decided to organise a workshop that would educate themselves on their rights while under arrest.

Assembly predates "Occupy Wall Street"

On Sept 16, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had promised to review the requirements for police permit for public gatherings, amongst other reforms.

occupy dataran merdeka 151011 night programme story image Although last night's assembly was held in solidarity with the 'Occupy' movement, Occupy Dataran predates the Occupy Wall Street movement.

According to a press release, it had been gathering at the Merdaka Square every Saturday since Aug 6 this year.

They were inspired by the Spanish protests that had been ongoing since May 15, dubbed the '15-M Movement'.

Yesterday was their 12th and largest gathering.