BUKIT MERTAJAM – The Bukit Mertajam division of PKR has urged the organisers of the upcoming “Turun Anwar” rally series to refrain from staging demonstrations near the private residence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, stressing that such places should be off-limits to political protests.
Division deputy chief Ong Jin Cheng acknowledged the public’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly and free speech, but maintained that private homes, particularly those of family members, are not appropriate settings for rallies.
“Private residences are places where families relax. They should not be turned into sites for demonstrations,” Ong said in a statement today.
He urged organisers to consider holding the rallies at more appropriate locations, such as public spaces or government premises, which he said would better reflect political maturity and respect for personal boundaries.
“We call upon rally organisers to move to more suitable locations such as public spaces or government buildings to reflect a higher sense of political civility,” he said.
Ong also extended an offer for dialogue, suggesting a more constructive approach to public dissent.
“We are also ready to arrange a constructive dialogue session with the organiser to discuss policy improvements together, as dialogues are more effective than confrontations and we can understand one another rather than (resorting) to finger-pointing,” he added.
The statement came following an announcement by Pemuda PAS on Facebook, promoting a “Jelajah Flashmob Konvoi Turun Anwar” series in Penang. Anwar’s childhood home in Cherok Tokun is among the locations listed for the protest, set to take place on July 11.
Other scheduled venues include Masjid Sungai Tiram in Bayan Baru on July 4, Tapak Ekspo Seberang Jaya on July 13, Dewan Dato' Haji Ahmad Badawi in Butterworth on July 18, and Kubang Semang on July 25.
According to promotional materials, the rallies are aimed at expressing dissatisfaction with several government policies, including the rollback of subsidies, the expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), the proposed Urban Renewal Act, perceived delays in reforms, alleged political intimidation, the rising cost of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the introduction of new taxes, and claims of public neglect.
Responding to these grievances, Ong said the government’s tax reforms are intended to strengthen national finances, prevent leakages, and ensure equitable distribution of resources.
“While public frustration is understandable, tax reforms are necessary to stabilise national finances, ensuring tax justice, combating leakages and tax evasion as well as funding public services such as healthcare and education,” he said.
“Protests are a right, but disturbances should not be tolerated.
“We call upon all forms of expressions to be done rationally, respectfully and properly – in order to achieve the goal of developing the country together,” Ong added. – July 2, 2025
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