FROM ATOP A SMALL LORRY, ZAHID CLAIMS 500K CAME – YET ONLY 40K OUT OF A PEAK 80K REMAIN AS HE SPEAKS, WITH PROTESTERS DASHING OFF AS RAIN CLOUDS GATHER

Zahid claims turnout is 500k

4.45pm, Jalan Raja: Umno president Ahmad Zahidi claims that the turnout is 500,000.

He urges Umno and PAS supporters to set aside their differences and join hands to fight for Islam and Malay rights.

“I received a report that only 50,000 people would come. But we see that 500,000 people are here.

“This is a manifestation of the fact that we would rise if Islam is touched. Do not mess with the people,” he adds.

Zahid says the ratification of Icerd will also affect the people in Sabah and Sarawak.

The crowd applauds when he announces that former premier Najib Abdul Razak is present.

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Crowd size 80k at its peak, dwindles as storm clouds gather

4.30pm: Malaysiakini estimates the crowd size at its peak to be about 80,000 around 3pm.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Mazlan Lazim places the figure at 55,000 as of 4pm. In the past, the police have always been criticised for downplaying the figures at anti-government protests.

The organisers have not announced their own estimate.

However, many were seen leaving as storm clouds gather. At present, it is estimated that some 40,000 are still in the area.

MKINI