Sky turns grey above Dataran Merdeka

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:

---

HIGHLIGHTS

• 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
• FRU water cannon, trucks deployed
• Silat group submits memo, palace rep gives mineral water bottles
• 'Praise prophet instead of provocative slogans'

---

Sky turns grey above Dataran Merdeka

4.05pm, Jalan Raja: The sky above Dataran Merdeka turns grey, signalling an impending downpour. It is already raining in other parts of the Klang Valley.

Meanwhile, Unit Amal members with black polystyrene bags are patrolling the area, picking up rubbish.

---

Umno, PAS leaders at rally

3.45pm, Jalan Raja: Wanita Umno chief Noraini Ahmad is addressing the crowd from the makeshift stage.

Other leaders present are PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, former premier Najib Abdul Razak, Umno deputy president Mohamad Hassan, Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa, Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri and PAS central committee leader Nik Abduh Nik Aziz.

---

Congestion leads to commotion

3.05pm, Jalan Raja: Thousands are still attempting to get through to Jalan Raja. This leads to a commotion as several hundred, including those with children in tow, try to leave the area due to the congestion.

Medical personnel are seen carrying several protesters who fainted.

Political leaders from Umno and PAS as wells as NGO leaders are making their way towards the makeshift stage on a truck.

---

Hadi arrives riding pillion on a motorcycle

2.40pm, Jalan Raja: PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang arrives riding pillion on a motorcycle. He waves to the protesters who were cheering.

---

Police: Crowd at Jalan Raja about 50k

2.30pm, Jalan Raja: Police estimate that the crowd at Dataran Merdeka is about 50,000 with more filing in.

The organisers are telling the protesters to sit as there is no more room to walk around. A police helicopter is spotted flying past the area.

-Mkini