Anti-govt rally takes place in Putrajaya amid heavy police presence

PUTRAJAYA: A crowd of protesters, mostly attired in black, turned up for the anti-government rally opposite the Prime Minister's official residence at the Seri Perdana Complex on Saturday (June 29).

The crowd started converging more than an hour before the rally commenced at about 5pm at an open car park adjacent to the complex.

Protestors donning tshirts printed with anti-government slogans chanted anti-government slogans and called for reforms.

Members of the rally's organising committee took turns to give speeches lambasting government leaders on various issues affecting the masses such as the recent diesel price hike, the possible upcoming removal of petrol subsidy, the proposed privatisation of government healthcare services and the shortage of local white rice supply.

A large group of police personnel stationed in the vicinity of the complex kept a close watch of the crowd.

As at 6.30pm, the protest was ongoing with more speakers taking the stage at a gazebo at next to the open car park.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa had warned on Thursday that the rally was illegal.

He had said that although the organisers submitted a notice to the police on June 14, they had not obtained permission from the venue owner - Putrajaya Corporation.