IGP warns against anti-PM rally, reminds Zaid of legal background

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has courted a stern warning from the police over his call for a gathering to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Issuing the caution, inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar reminded Zaid that he is a lawyer and should be aware of what is permitted and prohibited.

"Let me warn him that as a lawyer, he should know the 'legal' means to remove the prime minister as provided for under our (federal) constitution," he told Malaysiakini.

"If he has forgotten, let me remind him that it is either through the general election or a vote of no confidence in Parliament. Other than that, it is illegal," he said.

Khalid stressed that the ex-minister would face the full brunt of the law if he proceeded with his plan to hold the gathering on March 27.

He was responding to Zaid urging Malaysians to support former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who has been campaigning against Najib, and attend the gathering.

For too long, he pointed out, Malaysians have been wrought with the fear that Najib has imposed on the public.

Apart from the prime minister, he said the gathering should also demand the resignation of Khalid and attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali.

"We need to tell them that we are not afraid of them. We must show them that we are prepared to make our sacrifices to keep this country clean and honourable.

"If you are with me on this, let's meet on March 27 (Sunday), at a venue to be decided, so we can put our hearts and minds together and declare in unison that Najib must immediately resign, and that the inspector-general of police and AG must also resign," he said.

Commenting on the call for his resignation, Khalid said he had no qualms with such a gathering being held.

"I am fine with holding a gathering to ask for my resignation but then again, he should adhere to the provisions of the Peaceful Assembly Act.

"If not, again he will face the force of the law," he added. -Mkini