[UPDATED] ‘Save Malaysia’ rally off to Dang Wangi police station

KUALA LUMPUR – The “Selamatkan Malaysia” rally kicked off today on Malaysia Day, with protesters mostly wearing white marching towards the Dang Wangi district police station.

Chanting “tolak Zahid” and “dakwa Zahid”, the crowd trudged to the police station to lodge a police report asking for Zahid to be charged again.

This follows the court’s decision to grant a discharge not amounting to an acquittal to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in his Yayasan Akalbudi corruption case.

The crowd had gathered outside Masjid Kg Baru, with shouts of “Reformati” (“reform is dead”), a stab at Pakatan Harapan’s “Reformasi” slogan, as a few organisers stood on a lorry giving speeches.

There is a strong police presence near the Sogo shopping complex and the Dang Wangi police headquarters.

Former Umno Putrajaya deputy chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz and activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin or Chegubard, were among the leaders present.

Tun Faisal was heard telling the crowd, “no rally today, we are just gathering to voice our views”.

Also spotted were Bersatu information chief Razali Idris and Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid.

Police did not prevent the crowd from marching, and were seen facilitating the traffic flow.

About 2.30pm, Tun Faisal and four others were seen entering the Dang Wangi police station.

Police earlier blocked off several roads in the city centre, including Jalan Raja Abdullah and Jalan Doraisamy.

Earlier, several groups, including Gabungan Mahasiswa Islam Se-Malaysia and Perkasa, who claimed to be organising the rally, said it is necessary to “save Malaysia”, claiming Zahid’s discharge was the result of political tampering.

Application rejected

Police had yesterday said they rejected an application by the organisers, which was submitted on September 16 to hold the rally.

Police said the information provided was incomplete and did not meet requirements stipulated under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

Tun Faisal, who is also the “Selamatkan Malaysia” secretariat, said justice must be seen to be carried out for everyone. 

He said he had lodged a police report to urge the government to charge Zahid again.

At about 4pm, the crowd began to disperse peacefully.

“This is not our last meeting. Efforts to save Malaysia will continue,” said Tun Faisal. – The Vibes, September 16, 2023