About 100 supporters of Pemantau Malaysia Baru, dressed mostly in black, began gathering as early as 7am. They were led by Umno Youth exco member Faisal Ismail Aziz and Supreme Council member Lokman Noor Adam.

Several speeches were given, including by artist Ellie Suriati who spoke on the reasons for the protest, saying they did not want the country to turn into a republic.

They also demanded to know why they were not allowed to march to Parliament.

The group pledged its support for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, whom it said should be able to defend Islam and Malay rights.

The Agong is scheduled to arrive at the Dewan Rakyat later to deliver his speech as the 14th sitting convenes.

Last week, Lokman said the protesters would march with their hands bound and their mouths covered with tape, to symbolise the Agong’s alleged loss of power.

This followed outcry by pro-Muslim groups and political parties over the appointments of several non-Muslim officials at high ranking positions of government institutions and the Cabinet.