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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the public’s right to hold peaceful assemblies outside Parliament, rejecting a proposal to restrict such gatherings to Padang Merbok.
“There is no issue with holding peaceful assemblies in front of Parliament,” said Communications Minister and Government Spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil during his weekly post-Cabinet press conference.
He added: “The Prime Minister rejected the suggestion to relocate such assemblies to Padang Merbok. He emphasised that the people have the right to assemble in front of Parliament.”
Fahmi, however, called on organisers to coordinate with the police to ensure the safety of Parliamentarians and smooth traffic flow in the area.
“For the purpose of facilitating access for Members of Parliament and those with official matters at the Parliament building, cooperation with the police is essential to ensure security,” he said.
He also noted previous instances where inadequate coordination led to significant traffic disruptions, including ministers and MPs being stuck for over an hour.
“In recent events, there was a lack of coordination and notification. Some MPs and ministers were caught in traffic for more than an hour,” Fahmi explained.
While Padang Merbok remains an optional venue, the Prime Minister has instructed that improvements be made to ensure its better usability for public events.
“The Prime Minister has directed the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, to look into upgrading the fencing around Padang Merbok so that it can be utilised more effectively by the public,” he said.
Separately, Anwar today received the 2025 Malaysia-Indonesia Madani Scholars Declaration, describing it as an exceptional document that provides an alternative vision for global civilisation.
Presented by Professor Dr M. Din Syamsuddin, Chairman of Indonesia's Centre for Dialogue and Cooperation among Civilisations (CDCC), the declaration consists of five key pillars affirming the potential of the Malay-Islamic world and supporting the Madani framework.
It emphasises a balanced approach to development, environmental responsibility, mental well-being, inclusive economic justice through halal and Islamic finance, and the appreciation of diverse global civilisations.
“It is a very good summary… a Madani generation,” said Anwar after receiving the document during a ceremony at Putra Mosque.
Earlier, Anwar, accompanied by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, performed Friday prayers with over 4,000 congregants at the mosque. The sermon, titled *Bangkit Membela Teguh Bersaudara*, was delivered by Putra Mosque Grand Imam Dr Muhammad Zakuwa Rodzali.
Anwar, dressed in a grey baju Melayu, greeted worshippers after the prayers, joined by Deputy Minister Dr Zulkifli Hasan and Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) Director-General Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil. - August 22, 2025