Anti-GST rally to 'ring' closed-off Dataran

Organisers of the May Day protest are adamant on gathering within the vicinity of Dataran Merdeka, even though the field is closed-off for renovations.

 

Yesterday, police had warned organisers against using the field, on grounds that construction material will pose a hazard while suggesting nearby Padang Merbok and Stadium Merdeka as alternative venues.

 

However, the May 1 protest committee spokesperson S Arutchelvan said a decision was made this morning to proceed with gathering at Dataran Merdeka as planned.

 

"The concern is the ongoing construction on the field, so we agree we will not gather inside the field, but we will gather on the Jalan Raja adjacent to the field," he told Malaysiakini when contacted.

 

He added that if the authorities close down the road at Dataran Merdeka even though there is no construction there, then protesters will gather in the vicinity.

 

"The next best option will be to gather around Dataran Merdeka, we will not agree to a stadium," he said.

Dataran Merdeka is symbolic

 

Yesterday, Dang Wangi OCPD Zainuddin Ahmad had warned the public not to attend the rally and asked organisers to consider Stadium Merdeka or Padang Merbok for the protest.

 

Arutchelvan, who is also Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) secretary-general, said the rally which is aimed at protesting against the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will go ahead at Dataran Merdeka due to its historical significance.

 

"We think Dataran Merdeka is more symbolic of the people's movement," he said.

 

Arutchelvan said organisers will inform this decision to the police on Monday or Tuesday and the decision is final.

 

"There will be no more changes," he said.

 

Arutchelvan said the protest will begin at 2pm and participants are required to gather at one of four major gathering points - Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), Sogo Shopping Centre, Dataran Maybank and Masjid Negara before marching to Dataran Merdeka.

 

"The main gathering point is KLCC where the programme will start an hour earlier for speeches and a declaration by the civil society will be made," he said.