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Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Home minister: No complaints against security forces from ‘Turun Anwar' rallygoers proof govt respects right to assemble
KULIM, July 27 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has expressed satisfaction with the security measures during the opposition-led rally in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, which drew an estimated 18,000 participants. He said security personnel carried out their duties with professionalism and responsibility, reflecting the government's commitment to safeguarding the people's right to freedom of expression. 'So far, no complaints have been received. This is clear evidence that the MADANI Government upholds the right to peaceful assembly as enshrined in the Federal Constitution,' he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department (RELA) anniversary celebration at Dataran Kulim here today. Saifuddin Nasution said it is now up to the opposition to decide whether to continue voicing their demands through rallies or to focus on fulfilling their responsibilities as the opposition bloc. 'They have a choice, either to rally every week or to concentrate on their duties. If they disagree with the government's policies on the economy or welfare, they must present their own alternatives. 'Put forward your proposed policies so that the people can evaluate and make informed comparisons,' he added. — Bernama
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Saifuddin: No complaints against security forces from ‘Turun Anwar' rallygoers proof govt respects right to assemble
KULIM, July 27 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has expressed satisfaction with the security measures during the opposition-led rally in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, which drew an estimated 18,000 participants. He said security personnel carried out their duties with professionalism and responsibility, reflecting the government's commitment to safeguarding the people's right to freedom of expression. 'So far, no complaints have been received. This is clear evidence that the MADANI Government upholds the right to peaceful assembly as enshrined in the Federal Constitution,' he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department (RELA) anniversary celebration at Dataran Kulim here today. Saifuddin Nasution said it is now up to the opposition to decide whether to continue voicing their demands through rallies or to focus on fulfilling their responsibilities as the opposition bloc. 'They have a choice, either to rally every week or to concentrate on their duties. If they disagree with the government's policies on the economy or welfare, they must present their own alternatives. 'Put forward your proposed policies so that the people can evaluate and make informed comparisons,' he added. — Bernama
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
No riot gear, no crackdown: Adam Adli lauds govt for protecting civil rights, says reaction to KL rally shows political maturity
KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 — The MADANI Government's approach of allowing peaceful assemblies without interference or force reflects a strong commitment to the principles of democracy and freedom of expression. Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Communications director Adam Adli Abd Halim said the government's action to respect the right to assemble was not a sign of administrative weakness, but instead reflected the true strength of Malaysia's maturing democracy. He added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also expressed his appreciation to the security forces for their crucial role in ensuring the peaceful gathering proceeded smoothly. 'Their presence without the use of tear gas, batons or riot shields is a reflection of the maturity of our institutions by elevating the role of security personnel as an important component in the country's democratic ecosystem. 'The MADANI aspiration not only guarantees civil rights, but also the people's right to a dignified life,' said Adam Adli, also the Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, in a statement today. He said the government does not view such a gathering as a threat but a symbol of a changing political culture that embraces differing viewpoints. 'In a democracy, both supporting and opposing voices are important and deserve to be safeguarded. The government has proven its capability to protect democratic space,' he said. At the same time, he said the government's efforts in addressing the cost of living, poverty eradication, as well as implementation of reforms in the fields of economy, education and employment proved the country's leadership's continued commitment to the well-being of the people. Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the rally in the capital city proceeded peacefully, was well controlled and took place without any incidents that threatened public order despite the estimated attendance of 18,000 people. — Bernama
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar reaffirms commitment to free speech after KL rally, urges dialogue beyond the streets
KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated his administration's commitment to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, following the 'Turun Anwar' rally in the capital that drew an estimated 18,000 participants. In a Facebook post today, he expressed gratitude to security and emergency personnel and called for continued democratic engagement beyond protests. 'I extend my utmost appreciation to all members of the security forces — from the police, fire department, medical teams, and volunteers — who have served with agility, discipline and high dedication,' Anwar said, crediting them for ensuring public safety and a smooth event. Addressing the crowd that had gathered, Anwar wished them safe journeys home and urged continued participation in national discourse. 'Criticism and differing views should not be seen through the lens of hostility,' he wrote. 'In fact, they must continue to flourish and thrive as the lifeblood of a mature, progressive and sovereign nation-state.' Anwar, who has long styled himself a reformist leader, said he remains 'steadfast and consistent' in upholding democratic principles, particularly the right to free speech and criticism. He also pointed to the Prime Minister's Question Time (PMQT) in Parliament as proof of his administration's openness to scrutiny. 'Members of Parliament are free to ask any question directly, and to raise objections to me as prime minister directly,' he said. 'I urge you to continue pressing MPs to attend and actively participate, especially in PMQT.' The prime minister went on to invite Malaysians to move beyond protest alone, encouraging them to 'engage in dialogue and discourse, find common ground, and chart and build this nation together.' He added, 'Not merely on the streets, but by rising to explore, master and seize new frontiers so that this country can be propelled forward with strength and vigour.' Ending his post on a forward-looking note, Anwar invited the public to return to Kuala Lumpur in the near future, highlighting upcoming restoration efforts at historic sites such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. 'These landmarks are undergoing large-scale conservation so we can boost tourism and support the economy in the capital, rich with historical value, hope, and national spirit, especially in conjunction with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026,' he said. The Facebook post comes after a peaceful rally earlier in the day, organised by Opposition figures, including former prime ministers Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and civil society groups to protest against the rising cost of living and demand political accountability. Police said the event ended without incident.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
UK ban on Palestine Action at odds with international law, says UN rights chief
The UK government's ban on Palestine Action limits the rights and freedoms of people in the UK and is at odds with international law, the UN human rights chief has said. Volker Türk, the UN human rights commissioner, said ministers' decision to designate the group a terrorist organisation was 'disproportionate and unnecessary' and called on them to rescind it. In a statement on Friday, he said the ban amounted to an 'impermissible restriction' of people's rights to freedom of expression and assembly that was 'at odds with the UK's obligations under international human rights law'. He added that the decision restricted the rights of people involved with Palestine Action 'who have not themselves engaged in any underlying criminal activity but rather exercised their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association'. Türk said it could 'lead to further chilling effect on the lawful exercise of these rights by many people' and that the UK government should halt any police and legal proceedings against protesters who have been arrested on the basis of the proscription. The Guardian has contacted the Home Office for comment. Dozens of people have been arrested for holding placards in support of Palestine Action since the group was proscribed on 5 July. In a case reported by the Guardian on Thursday, an 80-year-old woman from Somerset was arrested for holding a placard at a pro-Palestine rally and was held by police for almost 27 hours, with officers forcing their way into her house and searching it. Marianne Sorrell said she felt 'very traumatised' after officers removed 19 items from her home, including iPads, a Palestine flag, books on Palestine, material related to Extinction Rebellion and the climate crisis, as well as drumsticks for – and a belt that holds – her samba drum. In another case, armed police threatened to arrest a 42-year-old woman, Laura Murton, in Kent, for supporting a proscribed organisation because she was holding a Palestinian flag and had signs saying 'Free Gaza' and 'Israel is committing genocide'. Sign up to Headlines UK Get the day's headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning after newsletter promotion Several UN experts, civil liberties groups, cultural figures and hundreds of lawyers have condemned the ban as draconian and said it sets a dangerous precedent by conflating protest with terrorism. Concern has also been expressed by some Home Office staff. Ministers proscribed the group under the Terrorism Act 2000 after some of its members broke into a military airfield in June and spray-painted two RAF aircraft. The ban means that being a member of Palestine Action or inviting support for it carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. Palestine Action is the first direct action protest group to be banned under the Terrorism Act, placing it in the same category as Islamic State, al-Qaida and the far-right group National Action.
