Nur Jazlan says Malaysians tired of demonstrations

KUALA LUMPUR: Predicting a poor turn out at the 'Tangkap' rally at Dataran Merdeka, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said the people had grown tired of demonstrations.

“Orang dah penat dan jemu (people are sick and tired),” he said, adding that previous rallies like those organised by Bersih had not brought significant results.

Asked if a poor turn out suggested the public was in support of the ruling Government, Nur Jazlan said that at most it showed people had become cynical of rallies.

“Demonstrations are fine enough, just not effective. If you want to change the Government, make your choice during the General Election,” he said, during his talk at the Malaysian Student Leaders’ Summit 2016 Saturday.

The #TangkapMalaysianOfficial1 rally at Dataran Merdeka ended at about 5pm without major incidents. The protesters had marched to the heavily-guarded Dataran Merdeka where speeches were made.

Nur Jazlan said he was open towards demonstrations, adding that he wasn’t a “Mahathir era man”, referring to former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s heavy-handedness towards protests.

The rally aimed to pressure authorities to arrest and charge “Malaysian Official 1” who was named in the recent United States Department of Justice civil claims in relation to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

Ten non-governmental organisations, mostly youths, have shown their support towards the rally with PKR, DAP and Amanah youth wings pledging their attendance.