GOMBAK: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to participants of the Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship rally, cautioning them against challenging the law or threatening public security.
The Prime Minister stressed that freedom of expression and the right to criticise the government remain protected, but said any actions that breach the law or incite racial tension would be met with firm action.
“We are freer now. You can express views and criticise.
“But if you disturb national security or attempt to challenge the law, I will take maximum action.
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“Arrest them and deal with them accordingly,” he said in his speech at the Selangor PKR Convention here on Saturday (Feb 7).
Anwar urged all parties not to exploit sensitive issues in ways that could damage relations among Malays, Chinese and Indians, emphasising that national security could not be compromised under any circumstances.
He also reminded rally participants not to act as judges or take matters into their own hands.
“You are not judges, you are not the police. Do not try to take over the role of the police,” he said.
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Earlier, city police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said the authorities would not allow organisers to proceed with the Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship rally in front of the Sogo Kuala Lumpur complex.
He said the decision was made following security intelligence and feedback from relevant parties, including premises owners in the surrounding area.
However, controversial independent preacher Zamri Vinoth said last night that the rally would go ahead as planned.
Meanwhile, Anwar said he opposed the construction of illegal temples, stressing that all houses of worship must comply with the law and regulations, just as mosques and churches do.
“If we violate the rules, the result will only be hatred, and the problem will not be resolved,” he said.
