The group of 50 people, which included members of NGOs and other opposition parties, urged Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob not to hold the elections until next year.
Under the watchful eye of the police, protestors chanted “Hidup Rakyat, Nyawa Dulu!” while carrying banners and placards with the same slogan. The group mostly spoke about the difficulties the people will face if an election is held during the flood season.
Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said that it should not matter whether one is from the government or opposition when it comes to finding solutions to help citizens during the floods.
“We should be going down to the ground together to help them instead of looking for votes,” he told the crowd.
Other politicians seen at the protest include Selangor state assembly member Lim Yi Wei and Perak assemblyman Howard Lee (both of DAP), Amira Aisya Abd Aziz (Muda) and Sany Hamzan (Amanah) who took turns giving speeches.
Amira described Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as “selfish” for suggesting that Umno was prepared to face the elections even if it is called during the monsoon season.
Sany said none of the previous 14 general elections had ever been held during the monsoon season. “And now suddenly you (Zahid) want to have one like that?” he said.
Also at the rally were five victims of the floods in Baling in July and last month, who handed over a memorandum containing their demands to the government.
Syed Saddiq, who received the memorandum, assured them that it will be presented to government representatives at the coming parliamentary sitting.
Police to call up those involved
The police have opened an investigation into the rally for being held without proper notice as required under the Peaceful Assembly Act.
Dang Wangi district police chief Noor Dellhan Yahaya said 50 people including students and politicians were identified as attending the assembly. Those involved will be called to have their statements taken.
The rally participants started gathering from 3.30pm and dispersed at about 4.45pm with no untoward incidents, Bernama reported.