One familiar face at street protests since the Reformasi era is PKR vice-president Tian Chua. As expected, he will be at tomorrow's rally outside the Sogo mall in Kuala Lumpur.

However, other Pakatan Rakyat elected representatives have courted flak for not being able to attend the gathering to demand for the release of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim and resignation of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Some have cited work engagements as a reason.

Downplaying the issue, Tian Chua said MPs who are available will attend and there is no such thing as the parties making it compulsory.

"People feel compelled to attend peaceful rallies because they think it is important like the Bersih and Anti-ISA rallies," he told reporters at the PKR headquarters today.

The Batu MP said more rallies would be held soon and those who miss out on tomorrow’s can attend those in future.

"I am sure peaceful assemblies will continue. Therefore, it is not a problem for MPs who can't make it.

"It's not compulsory, nobody pays them or instructs them," he added.

Tian Chua also stressed that on the streets, there are no titles such as MPs or state assemblypersons.

Veteran reformists throw support for 307

Meanwhile, a group of veteran reformists from 1998, together with Tian Chua, has thrown their support behind the 307 rally.

The veteran reformists also promised to attend the 307 rally and help to mobilise youths.

“Last night we had a gathering of reformists who have been taking part in rallies since 1998.

“At the meeting, we decided to reactivate the network of reformists and gather them back. We will set up a secretariat to bring back the people.

“We also make a full commitment to attend the March 7 rally and give full support,” Tian Chua said.

He said the objective of gathering the veteran reformists was to bring back the spirit of the 1998 Reformasi, especially among the youth.

“Our participation was to share the experience we have had in about 16 years of struggle with the younger generation who are now in the front line,” Tian Chua explained.

He also announced that the candlelight vigils outside the Sungei Buloh Prison that were being held every night would end after tonight.

He said this was the advice from Anwar, who wanted them to move on.

“Anwar appreciates our presence at the vigils in solidarity with him. At the same time, he feels that the struggle is much bigger and the battlefield is beyond the front of the prison.

“Therefore, he advised us to move on, and we have accepted his instruction.

“Tonight will be the last night we gather in front of the prison. After that we will carry out the event every two weeks to show solidarity with Anwar,” Tian Chua added.