KUCHING – A cavalcade protest bearing black flags as part of the “Keluar dan #Lawan” demonstration fizzled out even before it could begin here this morning.
The event that was planned to coincide with the same event in Kuala Lumpur and organised by the Kuching chapter of the Sekretariat Solidariti Rakyat (SSR) was supposed to be a prelude to a mega protest to be hosted in Kuala Lumpur on July 31.
Speaking to The Vibes on the condition of anonymity, one Kuching SSR member said his group had planned to do a convoy protest involving several vehicles bearing black flags.
“Our plan was to drive around Kuching city, especially the waterfront area.
“However, while we were getting ready for the protest drive and fixing our black flags at Reservoir Park, which was our meeting point, many unmarked police cars suddenly arrived,” he said.
Following their arrival, he said, the group then decided to call off the protest following a brief meeting among the group members.
“We did not want to provoke the police or have any confrontation with them, although we had planned a peaceful drive around the city.
“We are a group of youth activists who subscribe to the demands made by SSR, one of which is for the present prime minister and the entire cabinet to step down.
“We also demand a full and unconditional Parliament sitting and for an automatic bank loan moratorium be given to all borrowers,” he said.
Asked if his group will host another black flag drive-around on July 31, he said they have yet to decide.
The protest comes after SSR on July 21 called on all Malaysians to come out and protest against the Perikatan Nasional administration on July 31.
Titled “Keluar dan #Lawan” (come out and fight), the youth-based group said the rally will be a symbolic opposition towards “a government that is not qualified to lead the country”.
In a statement, SSR said the time and venue of the rally will be announced at a later date. – The Vibes, July 24, 2021
