KUALA LUMPUR: While views and criticism are allowed in democracy, stern action will be taken against those who challenge the law or threaten public security and stability, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister issued the warning in the wake of the proposed protest rally against illegal houses of worship, particularly as the nation plays host to foreign guests this weekend.
“You can express views and criticise which is allowed in a free country. But if you disrupt national security or attempt to challenge the law when we have foreign guests, I will take maximum action.
“Arrest them and deal with them accordingly,” he said in his speech at the Selangor PKR Convention yesterday.
He stressed that sensitive issues should not be exploited in ways that could damage relations among the Malays, Chinese and Indians, reminding rally participants not to take matters into their own hands.
He said that disputes over places of worship should be handled according to the law, rather than through actions that could threaten the peace or fan racial tensions.
“You are not judges, you are not the police,” he said.
In a related development, Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus said police disallowed the proposed rally by Gerakan Anti Rumah Anutan Haram (Garah) in front of the Sogo Kuala Lumpur complex at 8pm yesterday.
He cited public safety and security concerns as the reason not to allow the proposed gathering.
He said the rally’s coordinator had given written notification to the police on Feb 3 about their proposed peaceful assembly.
He said this was followed up with police assessments and feedback from all relevant parties, including owners of premises near the proposed location, as well as discussions between the rally organisers and the Dang Wangi district police chief on Feb 5.
On Friday, Comm Fadil said the police received written objections from the owners of Sogo Shopping Complex, Pertama Complex, Harissons and several nearby premises, citing concerns over customer safety during the proposed rally.
Besides these objections, he said there was a likelihood of a potential breach of public peace and security, particularly as the area is expected to be crowded due to ongoing festive celebrations.
Controversial independent preacher Zamri Vinoth insisted on going ahead with the proposed rally despite the government’s call for it to be called off.
Comm Fadil later confirmed the arrest of Zamri together with other named individuals.
