PETALING JAYA: While the government respects the right to peaceful assembly, the violent incident during a court-ordered eviction at Kampung Sungai Baru cannot be condoned, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says.
“The government respects the right to gather peacefully and to express one’s stance, and this has consistently been proven through various assemblies before.
"However, principles of liberty also demand that we act responsibly and abide by laws, norms and regulations,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Sept 11).
He condemned the assault on Dang Wangi district police chief ACP Suzilme Affendy Sulaiman, who was injured during the fracas.
“The incident of attacking and injuring a public servant, namely the Dang Wangi OCPD, by irresponsible parties with vested interests is vile and must be condemned,” he said.
The Prime Minister said he has directed the authorities to take swift action.
“I have urged the authorities to immediately carry out investigations and to quickly apprehend the masterminds and assailants responsible for the assault,” he said.
Anwar also cautioned against the misuse of public gatherings for political purposes.
“Peaceful assemblies must not be abused for narrow political interests and to create unrest among the people,” he said, adding that violence incited through hatred, provocation and false information must not be allowed to take root in society.
