Over 300 people rally in Shah Alam, call for Anwar to resign
SHAH ALAM : Over 300 people participated in a protest rally here today, calling for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to resign.
The protest at the Section 9 parking lot was held to voice concerns over several issues the group claims are affecting the people, including the rising cost of living and the expansion of the sales and service tax (SST) since July 1.
The participants began gathering at 8am under police supervision, holding banners and placards with the words 'Turun Anwar' (Anwar step down), 'Rakyat Susah' (the people are struggling), and 'Rakyat Terbeban' (the people are burdened).
Among those present were Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid Ali, PAS Youth deputy chief Hanif Jamaluddin, Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar, Kelantan PAS Youth chief Kamal Mohamad, former PKR leader Ezam Nor, and Malaysian Islamic Students Coalition (Gamis) president Azamuddin Sahar.
Speaking to the media, Hanif said today's programme was just a small protest to raise awareness for the planned major rally at Dataran Merdeka on July 26.
He said several NGOs and other political leaders are expected to attend the major rally, including former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.
Meanwhile, Ezam claimed that the people are disappointed with Anwar's leadership, as he had failed to fulfil the promises made when he was still in the opposition.
'Before, he made bold promises on lowering fuel prices. Now that he's in power, he hasn't done it.
'We are not here to fight the authorities, nor are we here to fight the police. We just want to make our voices heard to the government,' he said.
'Before, it was only the common people who were angry, now even the rich are upset. All of them have been subject to (various) taxes.'
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