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PARTI Amanah Negara (Amanah) president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has cautioned against allowing public protests to descend into violence, warning that such behaviour could pose a serious threat to national stability if not addressed early.
“Should a rally turn into a riot and blood is shed—whether among citizens or involving security forces—who benefits? No one. It is the country that suffers,” he said in a Facebook post on Friday.
Recounting his own experience leading mass demonstrations such as the Bersih rallies, Mohamad said the purpose of taking to the streets must always be to express views constructively.
“We take to the streets not to strike others, not to fight the police, but to voice concerns, offer criticism, and share our views. That is all,” he stated.
He added that even during times when he was detained for participating in demonstrations, he never considered the police an enemy.
“They were simply doing their job, as we were doing ours. To this day, I have a good relationship with the police because we respect them—they’re only fulfilling their responsibilities,” he said.
Mohamad also emphasised the importance of discipline during protests, urging participants not to damage public property.
“I always tell people, don’t damage others’ property, don’t throw stones, don’t destroy anything. If possible, don’t even knock over a flowerpot. If we feel something is wrong, we challenge it in court,” he said.
Drawing on his role in organising past protests, including Bersih 1 through 5, Mohamad reiterated that demonstrations must not be a show of force, but a democratic expression of feeling.
“My message to all organisers and participants has always been the same. We are not here to demonstrate strength, but to demonstrate sentiment,” he said.
His comments follow a violent incident at Kampung Sungai Baru, where Dang Wangi district police chief Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman sustained facial injuries during an altercation with residents protesting eviction orders.
The land acquisition for redevelopment in Kampung Sungai Baru, involving 67 terrace houses and 14 blocks of flats, has been mired in controversy. Many residents, particularly terrace house owners, have rejected the government’s compensation offer of RM400 per square foot, issued by the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office.
Following the incident, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, Political Secretary to the Minister of Finance, criticised PAS leaders for remaining silent after police officers were attacked during the clearance operation.
Referring to PAS MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s recent comments on the issue, Kamil said the lawmaker had failed to condemn the violence.
“Condoning or ignoring physical violence against security personnel—especially when not a single civilian was harmed by authorities—demands public condemnation from all who value peace,” Kamil said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He further questioned whether PAS is veering towards extremist politics, referencing the recent "Qunut Nazilah" episode.
“Is PAS now intent on adopting extremist political culture? Their silence in the face of this assault on a law enforcement officer is telling,” he added.
Kamil called for a full and fair investigation, insisting that justice must be served for the injured police officer. He also reaffirmed that the MADANI Government welcomes constructive criticism and peaceful dissent within the democratic framework.
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made it clear that the government remains open to criticism and constructive dialogue on all issues. This healthy democratic culture is alive and well under the MADANI Government,” he said.
“But such statements by certain political figures appear to be enabling violence and lawlessness, as witnessed in Kampung Sungai Baru,” he added.
Indonesian Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo stated that urgent measures are being taken to manage the situation, while authorities are now prioritising the safety and welfare of affected communities as the redevelopment proceeds. - September 12, 2025