KUALA LUMPUR — PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has dismissed criticism of a rally planned for this Saturday against so-called “illegal” houses of worship.
Despite objections from his coalition partners in Perikatan Nasional (PN), including Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP), Fadhli maintained that the rally should proceed without fear or obstruction.
The Pasir Mas MP said the gathering, organised by independent preacher Zamri Vinoth, was aimed at upholding the rule of law.
“There is no need for anyone to obstruct the rally, nor should anyone be afraid. This is different from gatherings that demand rights prohibited under the Federal Constitution, such as pro-LGBT rallies,” he wrote on Facebook.
MIPP had called on PAS and Bersatu to steer clear of the rally.
Its president, P Punithan, wrote to Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, urging them to prevent their party members from participating. The party said this was vital to maintain harmony within PN and safeguard national peace and security.
The coalition also petitioned Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail to prevent the rally from going ahead.
Gerakan vice-president Datuk Parameswaran Ganason criticised the event, warning that the Peaceful Assembly Act should not be exploited to incite racial or religious tensions.
The rally, organised by a coalition of NGOs led by Zamri, is scheduled outside Sogo shopping mall on Saturday evening. It is intended to pressure authorities to act against purportedly “illegal” houses of worship.
It was reported that multiple police reports have already been filed against the rally.
As of February 5, Kuala Lumpur police had yet to approve the event, stating that they are reviewing the organisers’ application to ensure that strict conditions are met and that the gathering does not provoke racial or religious discord. – February 5, 2026