PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the police to provide the necessary cooperation to ensure public safety and facilitate the upcoming "Turun Anwar" rally spearheaded by PAS, says his senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah,
He said the Prime Minister is fully aware of the rally and has emphasised that it should be allowed to proceed without undue restrictions or intimidation, in accordance with democratic principles.
"As someone who holds firmly to the Constitution and the spirit of reform, the Prime Minister has instructed the police to assist in maintaining public safety while ensuring the smooth conduct of the rally without any inappropriate obstruction," he said in a livestream posted on Anwar's facebook page on Thursday (July 24).
He added that the Madani government's position is clear and consistent, which is to uphold and celebrate democracy.
"The right to speak up, including from those who oppose the government, is a fundamental element of a free and just nation.
"Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, this space is not only kept open but is respected," he said.
Tunku Nashrul said that public dissent, even through street demonstrations, would not be arbitrarily suppressed.
Instead, he said such expressions are recognised as part of a healthy and mature democracy, so long as they remain within the bounds of the law and do not threaten public safety.
"Let us continue to uphold democracy with rationality, maturity and responsibility," he said.
He added that the strength of the Madani government does not come from silencing critics but from fostering a culture of tolerance, guided by compassion and unwavering principles.
The "Turun Anwar" rally, backed by PAS Youth, is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur on July 26, with participants expected to assemble at several locations in the city before marching to Dataran Merdeka.
