Zam Hamzah said even though the organisers had not asked for permission to instal banners from the city council, they were still unsatisfied with the action.

“This is the PH government — a portrait of Anwar Ibrahim gets installed, but it gets pulled down. I am frustrated. We want to organise a convention but the banner gets taken down.

“Of course, we did not get permission. Even if we ask, there is no guarantee it will get approved,” he said.

Speaking on the convention, Zam said it needed to be held in light of certain parties who appeared to be attempting to prevent the “reformasi” struggle.

“After 21 years, today we have a gathering. Why are we gathering? I thought now that we have won (the general election), we don’t need a convention. However, it seems there are people who want to stop us.

“The convention was held today to ensure our objectives are not frustrated. Fight, don’t stand down,” he said.

The “reformasi” movement began when Anwar Ibrahim, who is now PKR president, was sacked from the government in 1998. The “Otai Reformasi” group has been backing Anwar all this while.

Anwar was present along with PKR adviser Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail at the convention, attended by more than 500 people.