Inspector-general of police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar today explained that the recent crackdown on the Kita Lawan rally participants was because they were inciting others.

“Just because the court decision doesn’t favour a particular party, it doesn’t give them the freedom to incite.

“We respected freedom of expression and speech but we will not tolerate the freedom to incite and disrespected the system under the federal constitution,” he told reporters today.

Irrespective of who is involved, he said the police would investigate and take action on them.

“This we cannot compromise. Any gathering or activities that is seditious we will take action on,” Khalid added.

When asked about the arrest of PAS’ Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad ( left ) at around 3am last night, Khalid told reporters not to question the way the police operate.

“No need to ask when we want to arrest people, that also you all want to ask.

“We will take action at any time no matter during the day or night we will do our duty. If there is those that incite, we will take action,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who was also present at the Malaysia Crime Prevention Federation general assembly, said he fully backed the police and IGP in the recent crackdown.

“The measures taken by police are to maintain the peace in the country. I vest my full powers to the IGP and the police for crime prevention which is necessary,” he said.

The recent crackdown of the Kita Lawan rally has seen multiple opposition leaders being remanded over the protest.

The rallies are held to protest the jailing of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim who was incarcerated early last month by the apex court over his Sodomy II trial.

This week saw an increase in those who were detained in the build up to yesterday’s rally in conjunction with the wedding reception of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s daughter.

Notable figures that were arrested include PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli, PAS deputy chief Mohammad Sabu and activist Hishamuddin Rais, among others.