Large crowd rallies against URA bill, Gaza aid flotilla crackdown

Large crowd rallies against URA bill, Gaza aid flotilla crackdown

A protest against the proposed Urban Renewal Act converges with a pro-Palestinian gathering backing the Global Sumud Flotilla after Israeli forces intercepted its vessels.

bantah RUU PSB sogo
Protesters gathered outside the Sogo shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur to oppose the proposed URA bill and to show solidary for a Gaza aid flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces.
KUALA LUMPUR:
A PAS-led rally against the proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA) converged today with a pro-Palestinian protest in solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), drawing a crowd of 1,600 to 1,800 people to gather outside the Sogo shopping mall here.

Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans against the bill, while others shouted “Reject Trump”, demanding Putrajaya withdraw its invitation to US president Donald Trump for the Asean Summit later this month.

Among those present were PAS leaders – deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, vice-president Idris Ahmad and secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan – Bersatu vice-president Radzi Jidin, and Pejuang president Mukhriz Mahathir.

The bill had faced stiff resistance in the Dewan Rakyat in August, with Barisan Nasional and seven PKR MPs joining the opposition in blocking its passage. Debate on the bill is due to resume when the Dewan Rakyat reconvenes on Monday.

Israeli forces recently intercepted GSF’s humanitarian vessels bound for Gaza and detained many activists, including 23 Malaysians.

Police to review speeches for 3R remarks

Speaking to reporters after the rally, Dang Wangi police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman said the event concluded peacefully, crediting organisers for their cooperation with authorities.

He estimated that rallygoers numbered around 1,600 to 1,800 people, with 400 personnel tasked to monitor the rally.

Sulizmie said police had recorded the speeches and would review them for any remarks relating to race, religion and royalty (3R).

“If anyone has touched on 3R issues, we will investigate,” he said.

Sulizmie also apologised for road closures in certain areas of Kuala Lumpur, noting that they were implemented to ensure public safety during the rally.

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