Anwar respects right to assemble unlike Dr M, Saifuddin says

With the “Turun Anwar” rally over, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail pointed to how differently the government treats public assemblies compared to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s first term in office.

“The difference between Anwar Ibrahim’s time and Mahathir’s time is like heaven and earth.

“What happened today shows how the Madani administration respects the people’s right to assemble as guaranteed by the Constitution.

“And I would like to thank the police for facilitating the rally professionally,” he told Malaysiakini.

During Mahathir’s first term as prime minister between 1981 and 2003, he had little tolerance for demonstrations, with the police often using high-handed tactics to disperse the crowd, as what happened when the reformasi movement first began in 1998.

Earlier today, the opposition staged a mass rally near Dataran Merdeka, calling for Anwar to resign over his failure to alleviate the people’s plight.

Among the big guns who attended the rally were Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin, Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali and Mahathir.

Lessons from today

Saifuddin urged the opposition to take stock of the rally and think about what they achieved from it.

For starters, the Pakatan Harapan secretary-general pointed out that Anwar remains the prime minister despite the rally.

“Alhamdulillah, Anwar remains as a prime minister with the support of the majority of Dewan Rakyat members.

“Now, it’s time for the opposition to come up with constructive criticisms, solid ideas and alternative policies on how to make the people’s lives better,” he added.

Earlier, Anwar wished all those who participated in the rally a safe journey home.

“To those who participated in the rally - be it to voice your opinions or for solidarity - I wish you all a safe trip back home.

“May your journey remain smooth and safe,” he said on Facebook.

Cops say around 18k people turned up for 'Turun Anwar' rally

'Turun' rally: Police say diversions on several roads in KL tomorrow

Puad: Stain on PAS' image if 'Turun' turnout less than 500k

Public transports to operate as usual amid 'Turun Anwar' rally - Loke

Dr M to 'Turun' as abuse of power allegations come full circle