Another Rally at KLCC

Anti-inflation rally at KLCC next week (Malaysiakini)
Tuesday, 15 January 2008

Another round of street demonstrations, this time in protest of the unbridled cost of living, would be held next Saturday by opposition and civil society groups. Organisers Coalition Against Inflation (Protes) hope to gather between three to five thousand people near the KLCC Twin Towers for a peaceful gathering calling for tougher measures to combat inflation.

In a statement today, Protes secretary Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli said inflation was “out of control” and this has caused hardship among the rakyat especially the lower income groups.

According to Hatta, the rakyat is currently facing difficulties due to a recent hikes in highway toll charges, essential household goods, electricity and water tariffs.

Furthermore, he said there is a likelihood that fuel prices would be increased soon.

“Protes views such matters as a manifestation of the Barisan Nasional government’s failure to administer the country effectively,” he added.

No permit

Contacted later, Hatta stressed that the event is intended to be a peaceful gathering and in view of this, no police permit would be sought.

“However, we would inform the police (on the details) of the gathering,” he said.

Hatta said Protes was not acting in defiance of the law but adopting the Malaysian Human Rights Commission’s (Suhakam) proposals on peaceful gatherings.

In the past, Suhakam had repeatedly stressed that peaceful gatherings should be allowed while it was the duty of the police to ensure security during such events.

In another development, Protes would be kicking off their nationwide roadshows this Sunday with a ceramah at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.

Top opposition and civil society leaders are expected to speak during the event.

With the two events lined up for this month, Protes has entered its third incarnation since its inception in 2006.

The coalition was initially formed to protest against the hike in fuel prices in 2006. The following year, Protes focused on toll charges.