MOHAMED Azmin Ali, an architect of the Perikatan Nasional government, has urged police to drop investigations into the pact’s critics.

The Gombak MP defended the right of protesters, who assembled over the weekend to oppose the power takeover, to express themselves at public gatherings.

“The right of all Malaysians to peacefully protest or express their views is enshrined in the federal constitution,” he said in a statement today.

“There have been numerous views expressed over the political developments of the past week, but rather than being overly sensitive about them, I strongly believe that different viewpoints are essential for a vibrant and healthy democracy.

“In this regard, I urge the authorities to allow the public to express themselves, and not subject those who engage in peaceful protests to police investigations.”

Azmin, who was part of the previous Pakatan Harapan administration, sparked its collapse when he and 10 other MPs left PKR to form a government backed by former rivals Umno and PAS. Joining him was Bersatu, a former PH component, which brought with it more than 20 lawmakers to the new coalition.

The former PKR No. 2 is now partners with Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, the country’s eighth prime minister.

Following PH’s collapse and Muhyiddin’s ascension to the top job on Sunday, protests broke out in Kuala Lumpur to oppose the “backdoor” government.

A handful of activists, including lawyer Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, have been arrested, while others, such as Ambiga Sreenevasan and Marina Mahathir, are under investigation.

Azmin called on Perikatan Nasional’s critics to respect the law and provide early notification of protests to the authorities.

“Democracy warrants a spirited contestation of ideas, which means that the public must be free to express their views in a peaceful manner without disrupting public order and security.” – March 3, 2020.