Deputy inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has declared a blanket ban on all events by the organisers of 'Seksualiti Merdeka'.

Speaking at a press conference at Sungai Besi today, Khalid said the police will clamp down on the programme that was to run from Nov 9 to 13.

"The police is responsible to maintain public order. When there is a threat to public order, then we must take the appropriate action."

The directive comes from the police themselves, added Khalid.

Seksualiti Merdeka is an annual festival celebrating the human rights of people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity, organised by a loose coalition of NGOs, artistes, activists and individuals since 2008.

The festival’s programme, which includes forums, talks, workshops, book launches, an art exhibition and stage performances, was to be launched by former Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan.

It was held without any problems in previous years.

NONE This, Khalid ( left ) said, was in response to some 28 police reports that have been lodged against Seksualiti Merdeka since yesterday, and he further noted that complaints have been made by several Islamic, Christian and Buddhist groups which have condemned  the event and called for action against it.

He added that the matter is being investigated under Section 298A of the Penal Code and Section 27A(1)(C) of the Police Act.

Section 298A of the Penal Code allows police to take action against anyone who causes disharmony, disunity, feeling of enmity, hatred, ill-will or prejudice or for the maintenance of harmony or unity on the grounds of religion.

Section 27A(1)(C) of the Police Act empowers police to act against any activity that takes place on private premises but is deemed prejudicial to the interest and security of Malaysia or that would excite a disturbance of the peace.

These laws, Khalid said, would also be used in clamping down on any events that Seksualiti Merdeka decides to proceed with.

Police to question festival backers

Asked if police will question the organisers, he responded: “We will begin calling them after this, all of them involved will be called (to give a statement). This will be done immediately because an investigation has begun.”

Khalid also expressed puzzlement for the Bar Council’s backing of Seksualiti Merdeka, advising the body to instead give proper legal advice to the organisers.

“This is what I don’t understand, the Bar Council should advise these NGOs to respect the country’s laws.

“We all know homosexuality is a crime and such events are as if it is promoting and encouraging people to go against the law.”

He warned members of the public, including Ambiga who is slated to officiate the festival's opening on Nov 9, not to participate in any events organised by Seksualiti Merdeka or face police action.

The warning, Khalid said, was a pre-emptive move to prevent any untoward incident occurring.

“This is just a warning... We don’t want anything bad to happen so we are taking early action to ban their activities... but if they insist on proceeding (with their events) then we will take further action.”

Defending the police’s position, Khalid said his force was not against human rights but he must act if these rights went against public interests and public order.

“Any events or activities that is related to Seksualiti Merdeka, we will stop them.

“Anything to do with the rights of lesbians and homosexuals is out (of the question), no way,” he declared.

Related stories

Seksualiti Merdeka hot topic in Parliament

DPM dismisses Seksualiti Merdeka as 'a waste of time'

NGOs condemn attacks on Seksualiti Merdeka

Pressure mounts against Seksualiti Merdeka event

Seksualiti Merdeka ban 'a tragic day' for Malaysia

Don't support Seksualiti Merdeka, Muslims told