Police have recorded statements from four people in connection with the New Year's Day rally to defend Jawi in Kuala Lumpur.

Without disclosing the dates and names of the individuals involved, Kuala Lumpur police chief Mazlan Lazim said two more people would also be summoned to record statements pertaining to the rally which was held without a police permit.

He said the police viewed the action of the Malaysian Muslim Students Coalition (Gamis) for organising the "Himpunan Bangkit Pertahankan Jawi, Haramkan Dong Zong" rally seriously.

“The organisers also did not submit any notice under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 to hold the rally and the police are investigating the case under Section 9 (5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after a security and crime prevention programme at the Seri Perak Public Housing in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur today.

Previously, the media reported that 500 students from public universities attended the rally on New Year's Day to defend the introduction of Jawi script in vernacular schools. 

The students also urged the government to ban Chinese educationist group Dong Zong for opposing plans to teach the script.

The rally was also held in response to criticism by DAP veteran leader Lim Kit Siang against the group. — Bernama