Malaysian opposition parties and
non-governmental organizations on Sunday kicked off a massive public rally to
protest a recent fuel price hikes, which they claim have greatly burdened the
country's poor.
Organizers of the demonstration, held at a stadium in the
opposition-controlled state of Selangor which borders the capital Kuala Lumpur,
said they expected to see hundreds of thousands of people throughout the day.
Opposition leaders, including former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, were
expected to deliver speeches at different times during the rally, which is
expected to run until midnight.
Police warned the public not to join in the protest, which does not have a
permit, but agreed to allow organizers to proceed as long as they adhere to
police instructions.
But organisers remained defiant and pledged to continue with plans to hold the
protest.
"This programme will not be cancelled in whatever circumstances, so that
the people will be able to voice their displeasure with the government's
decision to raise fuel prices so drastically without any firm reasons,"
said information chief of the opposition People's Justice Party, Tian Chua.
Riot police and military presence was seen in surrounding areas in the days
leading up to Sunday's demonstration.
Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said the authorities would be on standby to take
action against those who disregard police orders.
"We will protect public peace and well-being by using whatever legal means
available to us," Syed Hamid said earlier.
Last month, the government announced a 40-per-cent hike in the price of petrol
and 60 per cent rise for diesel.
The government said the move was necessary to offset its high subsidy bill.
Critics called for a detailed explanation for the huge
increase, saying the move would greatly burden the middle- and lower income
earners, dpa reported.
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