Latest news with #MasjidNegara
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Rakyat air their concerns
Exercising their right: Protesters gathering during the Turun Anwar rally at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Crowds gathered at five major points in the capital city, calling for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to step down as Prime Minister as they voiced their discontent over his leadership. Despite the rain and haze, the demonstrators grouped at Sogo shopping mall, Masjid Negara, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad and Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru before marching to Dataran Merdeka. The grievances at the Turun Anwar rally yesterday ranged from 'dishonoured promises' to taxes, and what they deemed were failed reforms and political intimidation by the government. Chants of 'Turun Anwar' were heard in Bahasa Malaysia, Tamil and Chinese. Among those who addressed the rally was former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He challenged Anwar to take him to court if he is wrong in the Batu Puteh issue. 'This country has courts, judges and public prosecutors. But Anwar did not use these,' he said. 'You are not a judge, you are a prime minister. You cannot decide who is guilty. Only the judges can determine whether I am wrong or not,' he said. Dr Mahathir spoke of how he had resigned from office when he lost the support of his party, not even the people. Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin accused Anwar of not being mindful to the plight of Malaysians. 'The value of the ringgit has dropped but the cost of goods has gone up,' he said. Perikatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali said the rally was an early signal that the Anwar administration would fall. Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin warned that more assemblies would come. 'We do not want RM100, Anwar. We want Anwar to step down,' he said, referring to the cash aid announced on Wednesday. PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said they had gathered 'to take down a leader who has not fulfilled his promises'. Among the attendees was restaurant manager Mohd Amri Ismadi, who drove from Ipoh. 'Everyday has been a struggle, especially in recent years. We are expected to tighten our belt. 'Do we have to cut corners until we lose what remains of our modest life?' said Mohd Amri, who is in his 30s. Store keeper Shamsul Safawi, 55, who attended the rally despite being unwell, said he wanted to add to the show of the people's discontent. 'What is most upsetting is the empty promises. I feel it is best he steps down and let other leaders take over, ' he said.
![[UPDATED] Rally ends peacefully with no arrests, says IGP](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FDATUK_SERI_MOHD_KHALID_ISMAIL_260725n01-1_1753535111.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[UPDATED] Rally ends peacefully with no arrests, says IGP](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Rally ends peacefully with no arrests, says IGP
KUALA LUMPUR: No arrests were made during the rally here today, a sign of the protest's peaceful nature and the police's professional handling of the event, said Malaysia's top cop. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed that the rally, which drew an estimated 18,000 participants, concluded without incident across several key areas in the city. "These areas included Masjid Negara, Kompleks Sogo, Masjid Jamek, Pasar Seni, and Dataran Merdeka. "Despite the large turnout, the entire assembly remained calm and orderly. "No arrests were made throughout the event," he said in a statement today. He said police deployed 3,000 personnel from the Kuala Lumpur police contingent and federal police to monitor security, manage traffic, and facilitate the rally without disrupting public order. "Participants began gathering as early as 10.30am before marching towards Dataran Merdeka by 2pm, where speeches were delivered by several political leaders and non-governmental organisation representatives." Khalid said all enforcement efforts were carried out professionally and ethically, reflecting the police's commitment to a balanced approach in safeguarding both security and democratic freedoms. "Our responsibility is to ensure public safety while allowing space for democratic expression. "Today's peaceful outcome shows that this can be achieved with mutual respect and discipline," he said. He also reaffirmed the police's commitment to upholding the rule of law while ensuring the rights and safety of all Malaysians remain protected.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Crowd gathers at Dataran Merdeka ahead of Pas-led rally
KUALA LUMPUR: A large crowd has gathered at Dataran Merdeka ahead of the Pas-led rally set to begin at 2pm today. It was learnt that hundreds of people who had gathered at Masjid Jamek and Sogo shopping centre have marched from their respective locations to the square. Many were seen blowing multi-coloured vuvuzelas as they marched towards the square. People were also seen carrying banners and waving the Jalur Gemilang as they marched. They were also heard chanting slogans calling for the Prime Minister to step down. Police anticipate a turnout of between 10,000 and 15,000 people at today's rally. Participants are set to gather at Masjid Negara, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru, and Kompleks Sogo — before converging at Dataran Merdeka. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail had said that the police would facilitate the assembly. A total of 16 roads will be closed for the rally, which is expected to end after 5.15pm. The police have advised the public to plan their journeys in advance and use public transport where possible to avoid congestion in the city centre.
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Anwar says he won't attend July 26 rally because he wasn't invited
PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he will not be attending the "Turun Anwar" rally because he was not invited. The Prime Minister said this to reporters when asked if he would be attending the protest at the heart of Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (July 26). 'Well, I was not invited,' replied Anwar when met after delivering his closing remarks at the end of the 50th edition of the Prime Ministers' Cup Debate Competition. Over 2,000 policemen are stationed at key gathering points, including the Sogo shopping mall, Masjid Jamek, Masjid Negara and Pasar Seni to maintain security during the rally. The protesters are expected to march to Dataran Merdeka at 2pm. During his closing remarks at the event, Anwar urged political leaders not to use religion as a way to insult others. 'We can differ in opinion and be firm in our ideas, but we should not insult, curse or humiliate, what more use the Islam label for this purpose,' he said. Anwar said he was proud of the quality of student debates, saying that the students from Form 3 to 5 have set a new benchmark for debates. 'They are strict, but were polite and did not insult. These qualities should be learnt by our MPs in Parliament,' quipped Anwar. Anwar also said he had a packed schedule after returning from Kedah on Friday (July 25) night, and he was set to meet several Islamic scholars, including British musician Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, at the Prime Minister's official residence. 'But, I said it is okay, because I want to see our youths debating and I am very proud,' added Anwar.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- New Straits Times
Police beef up presence ahead of 'Turun Anwar' rally in KL [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have stepped up their presence in the city ahead of this afternoon's "Turun Anwar" rally. Uniformed units and traffic police officers were seen on the ground in areas around Dataran Merdeka. A police truck was parked in front of the Dang Wangi police headquarters, with officers and personnel on standby. The area in front of the Sogo shopping complex became a focal point for the public, alongside areas around Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad and Masjid Negara. Some participants were even seen bringing young children with them. Meanwhile, members of Pas' Unit Amal were seen gathering outside the grounds of Masjid Jamek. Earlier, it was reported that rallygoers have started trickling into the Dataran Merdeka area. Police anticipate a turnout of between 10,000 and 15,000 people at today's rally. Participants are set to gather at Masjid Negara, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru, and Kompleks Sogo — before converging at Dataran Merdeka. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the police would facilitate the assembly. A total of 16 roads will be closed for the rally, which is expected to end after 5.15pm. The police have advised the public to plan their journeys in advance and use public transport where possible to avoid congestion in the city centre.
