Gathering ends after prayer to shorten Harapan's rule

LIVE | Tens of thousands are expected to converge on the streets of Kuala Lumpur this afternoon to celebrate Putrajaya's decision not to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd).

Organised by Malay-Muslim NGOS, the gathering is also supported by Umno and PAS.

Those attending will gather at three different locations – Sogo shopping mall, Masjid Jamek and Masjid Negara – before marching towards Dataran Merdeka.

The gathering, which is to start at 2pm and end at 6pm, has sparked off concerns of possible racial tension but the organisers have vowed that it would be peaceful.

Malaysiakini brings you live updates of the event:

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Zahid claims turnout is 500k
• PAS No 2: We're not anti-Chinese or Indians
• Sky turns grey above Dataran Merdeka
• Congestion leads to commotion
• Hadi arrives riding pillion on a motorcycle
• No provocative speeches, organiser tells crowd
• Nik Abduh leads prayer at Sogo, Najib at PWTC
• Despite police's warning, children spotted at rally
• Truck turns into a makeshift stage
• Umno Youth chief: Historical day as Umno and PAS come together
• Silat group submits memo, palace rep gives mineral water bottles

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Gathering ends after prayer to shorten Harapan's rule

5.00pm, Jalan Raja: There was a brief pause in order for Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki to call out the azan for evening prayers.

Following this, it starts to drizzle as PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang delivers his speech.

After his speech, PAS syura council secretary Nik Mohamad Zawawi Salleh leads the crowd to recite a supplication, praying for Pakatan Harapan's rule to be shortened.

The rally draws to an end and the crowd begins to disperse.

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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.

-Mkini