Anwar said he would not prevent any group from handing over a memorandum to the agriculture and food security minister.

“By all means, do so. But fix an appropriate date and time.

“I, however, do not agree with holding a gathering that would disrupt the official visit by Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto,” he said.

Speaking to reporters after attending an event at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur tonight, Anwar said he has instructed Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain to help facilitate the gathering by the farmers.

He also instructed agriculture and food security minister Mohamad Sabu to be on hand to meet the farmers and receive their memorandum.

He said he had no issue with any peaceful gathering.

“But no one should take advantage of it and disrupt an official event that involves our neighbours,” he said.

Earlier, Razarudin urged the farmers to postpone their gathering in front of the Prime Minister’s Office tomorrow morning as it coincided with Prabowo’s official visit.

He said his suggestion was aimed at avoiding any inconvenience to the group, estimated to be about 1,000, and negativity should the participants be forced to endure strict security procedures because of Prabowo’s visit.

According to a media invite, the gathering is organised by farmers’ association Pertubuhan Persaudaraan Pesawah Malaysia (PeSawah).

The association said it is planning to hold a press conference to highlight two issues – the floor price for padi, and its opposition to the tabling of the Crop Seed Quality Bill.

The association has since said it would gather outside the agriculture and food security ministry.