By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 19: The Merdang Indigenous Community will hold a peaceful assembly on Aug 30 to protest the proposed creation and naming of the new N23 Samarindah State constituency, with organisers calling on participants to remain orderly, respectful and in compliance with the law.
The assembly, scheduled from 10.30am to 11.30am, is aimed at voicing the community’s objections to the proposed constituency and the use of the names Bandar Riyal and Samarindah.
Organising committee chairman Peter John Jaban said the community was grateful to Kota Samarahan District Police chief Supt Mohd Irwan Hafiz and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for their prompt and professional handling of the notification submitted under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
“We highly appreciate the professional approach and cooperation shown by the police in facilitating our democratic right to express our views, concerns and demands in a peaceful, orderly and responsible manner,” he said in a statement today.
Peter John said the notification, submitted on Aug 17, received approval within two days, which he described as a constructive response that respected the community’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly while safeguarding public order.
He said organisers would continue working closely with the police and relevant authorities to ensure the gathering is conducted safely and in accordance with the law.
“We reaffirm our commitment to cooperate with the police and all relevant authorities to ensure that the assembly is conducted peacefully, safely, orderly and in compliance with the law,” he said.
Peter John also urged all participants, supporters and members of the public attending the event to remain disciplined and respectful throughout the assembly.
“Our message is very clear. We are gathering peacefully to present our demands, express legitimate concerns and exercise our democratic rights. We are not gathering to create conflict, disrupt public order or cause unnecessary problems for the community,” he said.
He called on attendees to comply with all applicable laws, avoid provocation, threats, harassment or violence, refrain from obstructing emergency vehicles and traffic flow, and respect both public and private property.
“The conduct of every participant reflects not only upon the organisers but also upon the community and the issues that we are advocating for. We believe that peaceful expression of views, open dialogue and mutual respect are the best ways to seek constructive solutions,” he added.
The community has also requested that an official representative from the council or relevant local authority attend the assembly to formally receive a memorandum of demands and declaration on behalf of the Merdang Indigenous Community.
Peter John said the presence of an official representative would create an opportunity for direct and meaningful dialogue on issues raised by the community, including concerns over the naming of places and the preservation of traditional Merdang place names.
“The formal acceptance of these documents would demonstrate openness and respect towards the views and concerns of the local community and could serve as a starting point for more meaningful engagement on these matters,” he said.
The organisers also welcomed members of the media and the public to attend and observe the assembly in a peaceful and responsible manner. — DayakDaily
