Tens of thousands of Malaysians gather in solidarity to protest Najib's PRICE HIKES

KUALA LUMPUR - Thousands of Malaysians are making their way to the city center to protest the sharp hike in costs of living despite a slew of police warnings, outlandish accusations from Prime Minister Najib Razak's government and threats of prosecution.

"I too am trying to come there. I think it shows how fed up the people are. Instead of threatening, I think the authorities must try and understand the people's frustrations," Ambiga Sreenevasan, former Bersih co-chairman, told Malaysia Chronicle.

The New Year’s Eve protest is organized by a coalition of NGOs led by Gerakan Turun Kos Sara Hidup or Turun.

Protesters had gathered since early in the day at 3 meeting points - Sogo Shopping Complex at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Pasar Seni and Masjid Jamek.

They then marched to Dataran DBKL before proceeding to the adjacent Dataran Merdeka where the Kuala Lumpur City Hall is organizing a countdown to 2014 concert.

Led by Turun Muhamad Azan Safar, who was arrested last week after groups linked to Najib's Umno party accused him of trying to topple the federal agovernment, the protesters made their way onto Dataran Merdeka.

Umno groups, police biding their time to take 'revenge' on protesters

Police did not stop them. However, given the black record of the police in handling the Bersih rallies for free and fair elections, many are expecting them to turn violent at the price-hike demonstrators for defying the authorities.

The police, who have branded the rally as "illegal", claim to have intelligence that dangerous weapons and bombs will be used by the protesters tonight so as to overthrow the Najib administration.

The authorities have even hauled up Opposition leaders including Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, accusing him of planting bombs at the Dataran Merdeka. Rafizi, Azan and the NGOs have denied such "outlandish" allegations.

"The government's scare tactics have not worked. The bulk of protesters are youth, the country's future. This is a sign of serious trouble for BN. The people are also angry at the price hikes, the burden it imposes on the ordinary people seem to have escaped the BN leaders," N Surendran, MP for Padang Serai, told Malaysia Chronicle.

"The government's indifference to this and their clumsy threat of a crackdown has infact brought more people out onto the streets. The clock is ticking for the BN, but it is not the New Year countdown. They are destined for the trash heap of history."

Fed up of Najib's 'hollow' promises

In a bid to appease mounting public anger over his government's move to slash subsidies and raise prices after winning the general election in May, Najib had announced 11 measures to cut costs but these were seen as tepid and insincere.

In his New Year address, Najib also declared he "felt" the people's difficulty in making ends meet.

However, gauging from the growing crowds at the Dataran and its vicinity, there is little doubt that his words have been brushed aside by the ordinary folk.

Malaysians have expressed frustration at his lavish spending style, condemning him for passing the buck over to the people to repay the huge government loans his administration has taken since he came to power in 2009.

By 10.30pm, at least 10,000 have gathered and this number is expected to swell several fold by the time the countdown to 2014 is due and the New Year ushered in.

"People are no longer frightened by intimidation. Malaysians know their rights and how to use them," MP for Batu Tian Chua told Malaysia Chronicle.

MORE TO COME - Malaysia Chronicle