KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 11 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has strongly condemned the assault on Dang Wangi Police Chief ACP Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman, calling on authorities to swiftly investigate those responsible as tensions mount ahead of the Kampung Sungai Baru eviction scheduled for Thursday.

In a Facebook post today, Anwar reaffirmed the government's respect for peaceful assembly and free expression, noting that these rights "must be exercised responsibly" and in accordance with law and proper etiquette.

He described the attack on a public official as "heinous" and unacceptable.

The prime minister demanded that the masterminds be identified and charged without delay.

"This incident of attacking and injuring a public offi...