PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he will not be attending the "Turun Anwar" rally because he was not invited.
The Prime Minister said this to reporters when asked if he would be attending the protest at the heart of Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (July 26).
“Well, I was not invited,” replied Anwar when met after delivering his closing remarks at the end of the 50th edition of the Prime Ministers’ Cup Debate Competition.
Over 2,000 policemen are stationed at key gathering points, including the Sogo shopping mall, Masjid Jamek, Masjid Negara and Pasar Seni to maintain security during the rally.
The protesters are expected to march to Dataran Merdeka at 2pm.
During his closing remarks at the event, Anwar urged political leaders not to use religion as a way to insult others.
“We can differ in opinion and be firm in our ideas, but we should not insult, curse or humiliate, what more use the Islam label for this purpose,” he said.
Anwar said he was proud of the quality of student debates, saying that the students from Form 3 to 5 have set a new benchmark for debates.
“They are strict, but were polite and did not insult. These qualities should be learnt by our MPs in Parliament,” quipped Anwar.
Anwar also said he had a packed schedule after returning from Kedah on Friday (July 25) night, and he was set to meet several Islamic scholars, including British musician Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, at the Prime Minister’s official residence.
“But, I said it is okay, because I want to see our youths debating and I am very proud,” added Anwar.
