Cops stop protesters from entering Dataran Merdeka

 

The #Lawan protesters wait at a traffic junction after being prevented from entering the Dataran Merdeka area.

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have blocked participants in today’s #Lawan protest from entering Dataran Merdeka.

Speaking to FMT, an officer at the rally said it was a “gazetted area and requires permission from DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall)”.

Hundreds more have joined the crowd since it began gathering at 11am at Masjid Jamek, with the organiser claiming more than 1,000 people had turned up.

On its Telegram group , “#Lawan Malaysia”, it said it was currently negotiating to be allowed into Dataran Merdeka.

A curious sign carried by one of the protesters.

“This Dataran belongs to the people,” the group said.

Chants of “Tolak Muhyiddin”, “Letak Jawatan” and “Bangkit Rakyat” echoed as the protesters clad in black made their way to Dataran Merdeka this morning.

A protester carrying the Jalur Gemilang.

The group has also urged social media users to help them enter Dataran Merdeka by putting “pressure” on the police online, using the hashtag #BukaDataran.

The protesters, carrying banners, called for the resignation of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and his Cabinet, a full parliamentary session, and an automatic loan moratorium for all.

The protest ended at 12.40pm, with the participants dispersing peacefully. - FMT