Turun hails protest as a success, claims crowd at 50k

The NGO Turun, set up specifically to oppose the slew of price hikes, has declared its rally last night in Dataran Merdeka a success, estimating that the attendance numbered at 50,000.

It also said that participants singing the national anthem right before dispersing was a sign that those who joined the protest loved the country and did not intend to topple the government as alleged by the authorities.

"Thank you Malaysians, from well known individuals to the common man who assembled peacefully and dispersed right after the new year celebration," said Turun chief Azan Safar in a statement today.

Azan denied any involvement in alleged "provocative" acts that disrupted the New Year's Eve celebrations at Dataran last night, where a concert was taking place.

"In fact, we, too, condemn such actions," he said.

Thanking the police and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) officers for their cooperation, Azan said that the rally was just the beginning of greater challengers for the year 2014.

"Congratulations to all Malaysians," he said.