Pas Lambast Official Warnings To Civil Servants Over Turun Anwar Rally

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FROM Johor PAS Muslimat chief Zakiah Tukirin to Johor PAS Youth, the government is facing strong criticism over its repeated warnings to civil servants against joining the Turun Anwar rally scheduled for this afternoon at Dataran Merdeka.
Johor PAS Muslimat criticised the Chief Secretary to the Government for warning civil servants, calling it an attempt to suppress citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
She said civil servants, especially women, are not passive observers but hard-working individuals burdened by rising living costs.
Zakiah questioned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s shift in stance, recalling his past support for protests. She urged women, including public servants, to speak up against injustice, saying loyalty to the nation does not mean silence in the face of oppression.
Zakiah Tukirin“This blanket ban without any room for discretion is excessive. If they attend outside of working hours, do not carry departmental symbols, and do not disrupt official duties, then preventing them is a form of oppression,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Johor PAS Youth has also criticised the Home Ministry and Chief Secretary to the Government for barring civil servants from joining the peaceful rally.
PAS Youth information chief Mohamad Firdaus Adnan said the blanket ban violates civil servants’ constitutional right to assemble peacefully under Article 10(1)(b).
He argued that attending outside working hours without official symbols shouldn’t be penalised. Firdaus condemned the move as intimidation and double standards, pointing out civil servants are often required to attend pro-government events. He urged authorities to review the decision fairly and professionally.
On the other hand, participants at the rally have been asked to gather at four main locations before moving at about 3pm towards Dataran Merdeka — the venue of many anti-government demonstrations organised by Anwar himself after his sacking from government in 1998.
The locations in question are Masjid Negara, Sogo, Masjid Jamek, and Pasar Seni.
PAS Youth information chief Khairul Nadzir Helmi, who is part of the organising secretariat, said participants are expected to reach Dataran Merdeka at 3.30pm or 3.45pm.
Around the fenced area of Dataran Merdeka, small groups of individuals were seen walking near the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Masjid Jamek.
There were also small traders selling souvenirs related to the rally. Police barricades prevented vehicles from approaching Dataran Merdeka. —  Focus Malaysia

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