Gathering more like a carnival than a rally

KUALA LUMPUR: The “Himpunan 355” organised by PAS in support of the proposed amendments to the Syariah Courts Act was more like a carnival rather than a rally as many brought along their children and elderly parents.

They gathered at Padang Merbok here starting from 3pm yesterday, and were clad in purple shirts with the words “Sokong RUU355”.

Many supporters were also seen milling around the Lake Gardens and Tugu Negara.

Dozens of stalls selling food, drinks, T-shirts and prayer items were set up in the surrounding areas.

Apart from speeches in support of the amendments, there were also nasyid and religious song performances.

There were announcements throughout the day on people looking for their lost family members, from children, elderly parents and in one case, a missing husband.

Kolej Universiti Islam Selangor student Abdullah Mohd Adnan, 22, hoped that the Act would bring the Syariah court to the same level as civil courts.

Former teacher Zainal Ismail, 61, said the Syariah court needed to be strengthened to keep Muslims in line.

The Kedahan, who cycled for four days to attend the rally, said he hoped for an era where his grandchildren would have Islamic law.

The crowd started to dwindle by 6.30pm, with many seen heading towards Masjid Jamek to catch the train home.