PM warns 'maximum action' against security threats amid rally dispute
Published: Feb 7, 2026 2:57 PM
Updated: 5:57 PM
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning that “maximum action”, including arrests, will be executed against any quarter that attempts to disrupt the peace while the nation is hosting foreign guests.
Anwar stressed that while the government upholds the right to criticise and freedom of expression, any actions that breach national laws or incite racial tensions will not be tolerated.
“We are freer now. You can express views and criticise,” The Star quoted Anwar as saying during his speech at the Selangor PKR convention in Gombak today.
“But, if you disturb national security or attempt to challenge the law, I will take maximum action - arrest them and deal with them accordingly.”
Berita Harian reported that the prime minister, who is also the PKR president, had further warned protest participants not to overstep boundaries and act as if they were law enforcement officers.
“Do not incite hatred against one another. Do not violate the principles of the law. You are not a judge or the police chief. If you want to take over the police chief’s duties, we will arrest you.
“Trust me - if you want to try, try today and see (what happens),” Anwar reportedly warned.
He added that he had issued firm instructions on the matter to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail during yesterday’s cabinet meeting, while also conveying a similar message to Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail.
‘Not allowed’
Earlier today, Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said police have not allowed the organisers of an upcoming rally against "illegal" houses of worship to proceed with the event.
Fadil said the decision was made after careful consideration and security intelligence assessments, as well as the authorities' expectation that the assembly could cause harm to the public.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus
He also advised the public against attending the assembly, warning that police will not hesitate to take action against any party attempting to incite disorder or disrupt public safety at the location concerned.
Speaking to reporters in Kedah, Saifuddin similarly urged for the protest to be cancelled.
He added that while the matter of a police permit is not an issue under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, action may still be taken against those involved in the rally on the grounds of public order and security.
The rally was initially scheduled to take place tonight outside the Sogo shopping complex in Kuala Lumpur.
Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship Movement coordinator Zamri Vinoth has since affirmed that the rally will proceed as planned, claiming that the police have “no power” to prevent the protest.
A press conference prior to the event, which is said to involve about 141 NGOs demanding enforcement action against places of worship built without approval, is also expected to be held at 3.30pm today at Jalan Dang Wangi in the city centre.
‘Comply with the law’
In his speech today, Anwar also reiterated his stance against the unauthorised construction of temples, noting that all houses of worship, including mosques and churches, must comply with the law.
“If we violate the rules, the outcome will only be hatred, and problems will not be solved,” he said, according to Berita Harian.
MIC president SA Vigneswaran yesterday pointed out that most temples involved in recent controversies are not recent constructions, nor were they built in secret or erected to defy planning laws, as their establishment often dates back to a period when the relevant laws did not exist.
He also advised the public against attending the assembly, warning that police will not hesitate to take action against any party attempting to incite disorder or disrupt public safety at the location concerned.
Speaking to reporters in Kedah, Saifuddin similarly urged for the protest to be cancelled.
He added that while the matter of a police permit is not an issue under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, action may still be taken against those involved in the rally on the grounds of public order and security.
The rally was initially scheduled to take place tonight outside the Sogo shopping complex in Kuala Lumpur.
Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship Movement coordinator Zamri Vinoth has since affirmed that the rally will proceed as planned, claiming that the police have “no power” to prevent the protest.
A press conference prior to the event, which is said to involve about 141 NGOs demanding enforcement action against places of worship built without approval, is also expected to be held at 3.30pm today at Jalan Dang Wangi in the city centre.
‘Comply with the law’
In his speech today, Anwar also reiterated his stance against the unauthorised construction of temples, noting that all houses of worship, including mosques and churches, must comply with the law.
“If we violate the rules, the outcome will only be hatred, and problems will not be solved,” he said, according to Berita Harian.
MIC president SA Vigneswaran yesterday pointed out that most temples involved in recent controversies are not recent constructions, nor were they built in secret or erected to defy planning laws, as their establishment often dates back to a period when the relevant laws did not exist.
MIC president SA Vigneswaran
He also highlighted that mosques, too, have historically emerged from repurposed communal spaces, without sparking controversy.
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