Anwar said that while people had the right to organise peaceful assemblies, it should not be exploited.

“Don’t use this freedom (to assemble) to lie and slander in the name of Islam and Malay rights.

“We want to help the Malays, but you are envious,” he said when asked to comment on plans by PAS Youth to hold a rally against the bill.

Speaking to to reporters, Anwar said the proposed legislation, expected to be tabled in June or July, was aimed at helping the urban poor, a majority of whom were Malay.

Despite this, the opposition cited Malay rights and land rights when objecting to the bill, the prime minister said.

“When you (the opposition) were in power, you did nothing to develop areas where the poor reside,” he said.

Two days ago, PAS Youth deputy chief Hafez Sabri said the wing was planning a rally to protest the proposed legislation, claiming that it would displace “minorities”, and drawing parallels with the plight of the Palestinians.

Yesterday, Anwar gave an assurance the Urban Renewal Act would not alter the status of the affected land.

He also dismissed claims the bill would see Malay reserve land being seized, describing such accusations as false.

On Tuesday, he told the Dewan Rakyat the proposed law would not force property owners to give up their homes or alter the ethnic composition of residential areas.

The opposition claimed that the proposed law was a subtle method to displace poor Malays and Indians.

Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man of PAS also said MPs from Perikatan Nasional would oppose the bill as it could disrupt harmony.

Spearheaded by the housing and local government ministry, the proposed legislation has been touted by its minister, Nga Kor Ming, as necessary to replace outdated laws and regulations governing the redevelopment of dilapidated urban areas.