THE government respects the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, but these liberties must be exercised with responsibility and in accordance with the law, a senior minister said today, said Prime Minister Datk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday.
Anwar drew reference to the assault of Dang Wangi District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman during an enforcement operation in Kampung Sungai Baru, the minister described the act as “deplorable” and called for swift action against those responsible.
“The right to assemble peacefully is respected and has been consistently upheld in the past. However, freedom must come with responsibility, respect for the law, and proper conduct,” the minister said in a statement.
“The attack which injured a public servant — namely the Dang Wangi District Police Chief — by irresponsible parties must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
Anwar confirmed that instructions had been given for a full investigation and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice without delay.
He added that peaceful assembly should never be misused for narrow political interests or to sow public unrest.
“Violence incited through hate, provocation or false information must never be allowed to take root in our society,” he said.
Sulizmie was injured while attempting to manage tensions during a court-sanctioned eviction operation at Kampung Sungai Baru earlier today.
The operation, which involved the disconnection of electricity to several homes, was carried out under a court order for the demolition of structures within the area. It was led by court bailiffs with the assistance of several enforcement agencies.
Chaos erupted when a group of residents attempted to breach police lines and re-enter the housing compound. Amid the scuffle, Sulizmie was seen with a bleeding wound to his face, believed to have occurred during the commotion.
Officers at the scene ordered the crowd to disperse as tensions escalated. However, many residents refused to leave, insisting on being allowed back into the area to support neighbours affected by the eviction.
On-the-ground reports indicate that some residents had begun gathering as early as the previous night in a show of solidarity with families facing displacement.
Despite the injuries and heightened tension, authorities have not reported any arrests. The situation remains under close observation as the eviction process continues. - September 11, 2025
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