The deputy home minister said the approval was given despite Putrajaya disagreeing with the purpose of the gathering, which is to remove a “democratically elected” prime minister from office.

“If they want to go ahead with it (the gathering), they can, because we practise democracy.

“However, we ask for the organisers to be responsible about it and make sure no problems arise as the government and the police would be blamed for it,” he said to reporters when met at the Parliament lobby here today.

The Pulai MP however reiterated a statement by Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar, that police personnel would be stationed at the closed-door event as a precautionary measure.

The March 27 event is organised by former Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim and is expected to see the attendance of around 1,000 people, including former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, DAP Supremo Lim Kit Siang and suspended Umno Deputy President Muhyiddin Yassin.