Malaysians join opposition rally
Source: Agencies |
January 13, 2013, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
ABOUT 45,000 people joined a massive opposition rally yesterday in Malaysia's largest city in a show of force ahead of key general elections due in months.
Police sealed off main roads in downtown Kuala Lumpur, allowing protesters to march peacefully to a nearby stadium for the rally by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's three-party alliance.
The rally focused on demanding further transparency in elections that must be held by June. The polls are seen as a major test for Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling coalition after its dismal performance in 2008 elections.
The National Front coalition, which has governed Malaysia since independence from Britain in 1957, lost more than a third of its seats in Parliament to a resurgent opposition in 2008. The loss of seats was due to public discontent over problems such as corruption and racial discrimination.
Anwar yesterday appealed to the public to oust the National Front and vote in his opposition alliance in this year's elections.
"We ask for a chance so that the people's voice will become the sacred voice in ruling this country," he told the crowd.
The rally tested Najib's tolerance for public dissent after police used tear gas to quell two similar protests over the past year.
The protests have helped pressure the government to agree to new regulations to prevent people from voting multiple times and ensure fairer elections, but activists insist voter registration lists remain tainted.
Police estimated the crowd at around 45,000, but organizers said more than 100,000 people showed up.
The rally in Malaysia's capital ended peacefully after more than three hours.
Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin reacted to the rally by saying the ruling coalition has brought peace and prosperity for all Malaysians.
Police sealed off main roads in downtown Kuala Lumpur, allowing protesters to march peacefully to a nearby stadium for the rally by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's three-party alliance.
The rally focused on demanding further transparency in elections that must be held by June. The polls are seen as a major test for Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling coalition after its dismal performance in 2008 elections.
The National Front coalition, which has governed Malaysia since independence from Britain in 1957, lost more than a third of its seats in Parliament to a resurgent opposition in 2008. The loss of seats was due to public discontent over problems such as corruption and racial discrimination.
Anwar yesterday appealed to the public to oust the National Front and vote in his opposition alliance in this year's elections.
"We ask for a chance so that the people's voice will become the sacred voice in ruling this country," he told the crowd.
The rally tested Najib's tolerance for public dissent after police used tear gas to quell two similar protests over the past year.
The protests have helped pressure the government to agree to new regulations to prevent people from voting multiple times and ensure fairer elections, but activists insist voter registration lists remain tainted.
Police estimated the crowd at around 45,000, but organizers said more than 100,000 people showed up.
The rally in Malaysia's capital ended peacefully after more than three hours.
Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin reacted to the rally by saying the ruling coalition has brought peace and prosperity for all Malaysians.
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