More than 2k cops for 'Turun Anwar' rally, SB projects 10k to 15k turnout

More than 2,000 police personnel will be deployed to ensure security and public order during the “Turun Anwar” rally set to take place at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur on July 26.

The protest aims to pressure Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to step down.

Kuala Lumpur acting police chief Usuf Jan Mohamad confirmed that the rally organisers had submitted an official notification to the Dang Wangi district police headquarters.

“We have identified four gathering points before participants head to Dataran Merdeka, namely Sogo, Masjid Jamek, Masjid Negara and Pasar Seni,” he said, as reported by Bernama.

“So far, based on projections by the Royal Malaysia Police Special Branch, between 10,000 and 15,000 people are expected to attend the rally,” he added.

Usuf stressed that while the right to peaceful assembly is recognised, participants must act responsibly and avoid any provocation.

“They have the right to voice their views; however, if any offences occur in terms of speech, such as provocation or issues involving the 3Rs (religion, race and royalty), we will take action,” he warned.

He added that no road closures are planned for now, but police will be monitoring the situation closely and will respond accordingly if necessary.

Previously, Anwar’s political aide Shamsul Iskandar Akin dismissed the upcoming protest as a political ploy by a “small group” seeking to maintain relevance.

He asserted that the demonstration is not a genuine expression of public discontent as claimed by its organisers.

“This (protest) is not about the rakyat, it is about a small group attempting to reverse what they failed to achieve through the ballot box,” he added.

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