The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) has commended Malaysians for the success of the Kita Lawan rally held last Saturday.

Pimisiri Petchnamrob, the vice-president of IUSY's Asia Pacific chapter, said she was impressed by how peaceful the rally was and remarked that it was well coordinated.

"There were nuisances, such as people letting off firecrackers and (the appearance of) provocateurs but people remained calm for the whole time.

"I think they realised that they are fighting for something important, they are fighting for better Malaysia," Pimisiri ( left ) told Malaysiakini .

At its peak, the Kita Lawan saw about 10,000 people marching in downtown Kuala Lumpur last Saturday to demand for Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's release from prison.

Not enough women

In addition, Pimisiri remarked that there was a lack of female leadership among rally organisers.

"I barely saw any women taking the lead, apart from Nurul Izzah Anwar and her mother (Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail)," she said.

Pimisiri also thanked DAP Youth for inviting IUSY to observe the rally and be part of Malaysian history.

"We strongly believe that international solidarity is important for our struggles," she said.