Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar advises rice farmers not to disrupt the official visit of Indonesian President Prabowo to Malaysia during their petition in Putrajaya on Monday (January 27), and to directly arrange a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dato' Seri Mohamad Sabu.
He stated that he does not oppose rice farmers going to Putrajaya to express their views, but hopes they arrange an appropriate time.
Over a thousand rice farmers, dissatisfied with the government's policy of lowering rice purchase prices, plan to go to the Prime Minister's Office on Monday morning (27th) to submit a memorandum, requesting Prime Minister Anwar's intervention to adjust the price policy.
However, the day is also when Indonesian President Prabowo is visiting Malaysia officially and will meet with Anwar at the Prime Minister's Office.
On Sunday (January 26), Anwar said: “Tomorrow, Indonesian President Prabowo will be in Putrajaya. I do not oppose rice farmers submitting a memorandum to the agriculture ministry, but please arrange an appropriate time.”
He emphasized that he absolutely disagrees with them disrupting the schedule of national guests by holding a gathering in Putrajaya.
On Sunday (26th), after attending an event, Anwar told reporters that if they want to hold a peaceful gathering or submit a memorandum, he would not obstruct, but he reiterated not to hinder the schedule of national guests.
He also said he has instructed the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin, to handle the matter, and the latter issued a statement on Sunday night urging the rice farmers to reschedule their memorandum submission.
As for Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin, he stated that the police have made the highest level and comprehensive security preparations for Prabowo's official visit to ensure no security threats during his stay in Malaysia.
As for Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin, he stated that the police have made the highest level and comprehensive security preparations for Prabowo's official visit to ensure no security threats during his stay in Malaysia.
“While the police greatly respect the schedule to submit the memorandum by the rice farmers, for security reasons, it is still recommended for the action leaders to choose another day.”
He stated in a press release that during Prabowo's visit, stricter security checks will be implemented by the police. Thus, to avoid any inconvenience to the participants submitting the memorandum due to the rigorous security procedures, thereby creating a negative impact on the police force.
He emphasized that this suggestion is in accordance with Section 3(3) of the Police Act 1967, and the police urge the public not to make unverified statements or speculations regarding this matter, to maintain public harmony and order.