Some 4,000 people braved the rain in Alor Setar, Kedah, tonight for a chance to see Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the state’s Madani rally.
Most have sought shelter under tents set up around the Dataran Stargate venue, though some have come prepared with umbrellas and raincoats.
Anwar arrived later at 9pm as the rain subsided. He will be launching “unity” buses and trucks at 10.15pm and address the crowd, according to the event’s itinerary.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is also attending the rally, along with four other ministers Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Salahuddin Ayub, Fahmi Fadzil and Nga Kor Ming.
The carnival-like event had started in the afternoon. A clown was seen delighting children by offering them balloon animals.
Attendees were also given T-shirts with the “Malaysia Madani” logo, and vouchers to be used at food and drink stalls in the area.
It also features lucky draws and as well performances including by the famous singers Siti Nurhaliza and Amy Search, interspersed between political speeches by government figures.
Earlier in the afternoon, Anwar, Salahuddin, Saifuddin and Hulu Langat MP Mohd Sany Hamzan had made a brief visit to the venue to greet the crowd.
They arrived at 5.30pm and left about 15 minutes later with promises to return tonight.
During this visit, the leaders made their way around the venue to shake hands with attendees, who tried to grab the premiers’ attention by chanting “Dato Seri” - Anwar’s honorific title.
The event organised by Pakatan Harapan secretariate and the state’s Harapan chapter is being held ahead of the federal government’s national-level Aidilfitri open house in the same city tomorrow.
Kedah Harapan chief Mahfuz Omar previously told Malaysiakini the event is for government leaders to explain policies to the grassroots and receive feedback, and is being fully funded by Harapan’s Kedah chapter.
The lucky draw prizes, including five motorcycles, were contributed by supporters, he said.
[More to follow] - Mkini
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