Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail criticized the opposition for resorting to street demonstrations rather than utilizing parliamentary mechanisms to express their dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
He noted that Anwar had already extended a democratic avenue in the Dewan Rakyat by committing to prioritize any motion of no confidence tabled against him.
“The prime minister has said he would instruct the speaker to give precedence to any no-confidence motion against him. So, the ball is now in the opposition’s court. He even stated that government business would be deferred to accommodate such a motion. Yet, it is already the fifth day of the sitting, and there has been silence,” Saifuddin told reporters after inaugurating the police’s new Child Interview Centre in Derga today.
Saifuddin argued that the opposition’s failure to act in Parliament suggests they lack the necessary support to unseat the government through legitimate channels and are instead turning to public provocation.
“If the opposition truly respects the democratic process, the proper avenue to remove a leader is through Parliament. But why have they not done so? The reality is, they do not have the numbers — only support within their own circle,” he said.
He emphasized that the government has not obstructed public gatherings and reaffirmed that the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.
“They want to gather and deliver speeches, go ahead. But under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, certain provisions still apply. For example, children are not permitted at such rallies, and dangerous items are strictly prohibited. If participants cross the line by lighting flares or similar actions, the police will have no choice but to enforce the law,” he said.
Saifuddin also questioned the opposition’s motives, suggesting they were more interested in inciting unrest and damaging the country’s image than engaging in constructive political debate.
“They say Anwar must go. But Anwar has already brought fuel prices down. They still say he must go, even after electricity tariffs have been reduced. Yet they cannot wait for his term to end and are desperate to remove him now.
“So the people must decide: do we want democracy to prevail, or will we allow chaos to dominate? At a time when the economy is showing signs of recovery, do we want to scare off investors with unrest and instability? Be a responsible opposition,” he said.
The PAS-led rally is being held today at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur to demand Anwar’s resignation. Police estimate a turnout of between 10,000 and 15,000 participants.
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