Saifuddin said police presence at tomorrow’s Himpunan Rakyat Benci Rasuah is to ensure the rally proceeds smoothly.

“I’ve spoken to Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain and the police will facilitate the assembly tomorrow. We are a government that respects the freedom of assembly,” he told reporters after a ministry event in Kelantan today.

The minister urged participants to be responsible and comply with the Peaceful Assembly Act’s provisions, such as not to carry sharp objects that can be used as weapons or bring minors to the rally.

He added that the number of policemen to be dispatched to the rally will be announced once the details are finalised.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had said the government had granted permission for the rally to be held, after the Cabinet discussed the matter earlier today.

Anwar also reiterated his government’s commitment to combating corruption.

Kuala Lumpur police previously said the rally’s organisers had yet to submit a new notice of the demonstration to the authorities, pending Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s permission to use Dataran Merdeka as the venue for the gathering.

City police chief Rusdi Isa said permission was needed as Dataran Merdeka had been gazetted as a venue for gatherings, with City Hall the designated owner of these venues.