Go ahead, authorities tell Black 505 - crowds now at Padang Merbok

The authorities have relented. They have now agreed that the Black 505 rally can go on at Padang Merbok in Kuala Lumpur.

Dozens of policemen and City Hall officers have been standing and watching as organisers install the public address system which their leaders will later use to speak to the supporters.

One of the leaders of the rally, Datuk Johari Abdul, confirmed that police and City Hall have given their cooperation to hold the mass gathering at the field which until several hours ago was out of bounds.

"We thank the government for giving us our space to assemble," he said.

Johari has also reminded the people already assembled there to sit down and listen to the speeches and not to provoke the police.

Padang Merbok is filling up with the supporters who have marched from Jalan Raja Laut, Brickfields and Masjid Negara.

Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad is the first speaker up. He has thanked everyone for turning up despite the threats and warnings from police.

"This proves that the BN-led government recognises people power compared to before when we were greeted by water cannons and tear gas."