It said the constitutionally guaranteed right to assemble peacefully must be exercised responsibly without endangering public safety or hindering civil servants from performing their duties.

The ministry’s remarks followed an incident today in the capital, where two men who participated in a rally outside the US embassy on Jalan Tun Razak were arrested for allegedly obstructing policemen in the discharge of their duties.

“As the ministry responsible for internal security, the home ministry would like to stress that the right to assemble is guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.

“However, such a right needs to be exercised in a proper, civil and lawful manner, without affecting public safety, disrupting public peace or obstructing civil servants from carrying out their official duties,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The ministry fully supports the police action, which was firm and lawful, to guarantee peace and security.”

Earlier today, Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said the protest turned tense after some demonstrators began blocking traffic along Jalan Tun Razak, leading to a scuffle in which a policeman was elbowed in the face and sustained minor injuries.

Two protesters, aged 23 and 32, were arrested for obstructing policemen in the discharge of their duties.

A group of NGOs later slammed the police over their alleged misconduct in handling the demonstration, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the two protesters arrested.

‘No compromise with lawbreakers’

The home ministry said it was always prepared, through the police, to cooperate with rally organisers by providing security.

“At the same time, however, the ministry will not tolerate any individual or group that breaks the law, disturbs public order or poses a security threat.

“Therefore, the ministry urges all parties to comply with laws and regulations during assemblies and to fully cooperate with the authorities,” it added.