He said building a nation takes time, but “tearing it down is easy”.

“I know there are those who want to bring down the government. That is your right, but follow the proper process.

“Table a vote of no confidence in Parliament. If you don’t have enough support, wait for the general election. Don’t resort to street demonstrations or inciting the public,” he said at the National Unity Week celebration at Stadium Batu Kawan here today.

Present were national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang and Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Perikatan Nasional has planned a “Turun Anwar” mass rally for July 26 to push for Anwar’s resignation. The organisers claim they expect up to 300,000 participants, although a similar protest in Shah Alam earlier this month drew just over 300.

Anwar also called for caution in responding to voices of hatred, including those from a handful of religious figures. He, however, did not name them.

“Many religious scholars are sincere. Just yesterday, I met with scholars from Indonesia, Morocco, Syria and India, all of whom offered wise counsel.

“Tonight, from Penang, I will head to Masjid Putra in Putrajaya for a gathering of religious teachers. I want to hear their advice as well,” he said.

Earlier, Anwar said Malaysia has been recognised as a peaceful nation in the region, adding that this is not his achievement alone but the result of cooperation between ministries, civil servants, and corporate leaders.

“Political stability attracts investment, and investment drives economic growth. That is why many world leaders are choosing Malaysia as a venue for dialogue,” he said.

He pointed out that foreign ministers from the US, China, Russia, as well as leaders from the Gulf countries, Brazil and South Africa have expressed their intention to attend the Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October.

Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli has also said that Anwar should remain as prime minister until the end of his term to ensure political stability amid economic uncertainty.