Zahid claims turnout is 500k

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

• 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

---

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.

---

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