DAP Youth has urged their Umno and MCA counterparts to back the anti-inflation rally on December 31 to prove that they are promoting “transformation” and “democratisation”.

"We invite MCA Youth and Umno Youth to uphold the principles of democracy and join the protest against BN's policies (which cause) price increases (for essential goods).

"Or else, BN Youth's calls for renewal and transformation will remain as just rhetoric," DAP Youth chief Teo Kok Seong said in a press release today.

Thus far, the youth wings of PAS, PKR and DAP have all pledged support for the rally, which will take place in Dataran Merdeka at night.

Teo said that the protest organised by a group called Gerakan Turun Kos Sara Hidup (Turun) was a human right and the group should not be demonised.

"This pro-democracy group should be respected and given space consistent with the principles of justice...

"They are not criminals nor do they intend to overthrow the government or commit violence...," he said.

PAS Youth to mobilise members

Authorities have claimed that there will be a protest on December 31 that is aimed at toppling BN as the federal government.

Turun's leader Azan Safar has denied this and accused the government of diverting attention from public anger over government policies, in particular subsidy removals, that had caused the price of essential goods to increase.

Meanwhile, Harakahdaily today reported that PAS Youth will mobilise its members to participate in the rally.

PAS Youth chief Suhaizan Kaiat said this is to stand in solidarity with Malaysians, most of whom will feel the impact from a series of price hikes.