YOURSAY ‘Aim for awareness rather than to just show force against ruling party.’

Kita Lawan, a divided Pakatan and the wedding

Basically: The point of rallies is not just the numbers, a big crowd is one thing, but it's not the only thing and certainly not the only aim of a rally.

The problem in Malaysia is that the media does not report on it, so big numbers help, but in many countries, rallies go on prime time news with just 50 or a hundred protesting a certain issue.

The goal is to get coverage and be allowed to air one's views, and the end result is the people’s awareness of issues at hand.

I suppose this obsession with rally numbers is one of the features of Malaysia's lack of press freedom. The point is visibility. But then, when we think of it, a rally in KL is preaching to the converted, the message should really be taken to the rural heartland.

Perhaps Pakatan should rethink their protest strategies to aim for awareness rather than to just show force against the ruling party.

They already have the biggest weapon to show BN on that, the 50+ percent popular vote, and that's not going anywhere soon.

The Analyser: ‘Basically’, stop making pathetically weak excuses. The point of rallies is to demonstrate the number of supporters for a cause.

Five hundred supporters show quite clearly that nobody cares. And your argument about press freedom is equally nonsensical. If you had the vaguest idea of what you are talking about, you would know that these days rallies are organised through phone and Internet connectivity.

The real problem is that Pakatan has no strategies. In typically Malaysian fashion everything is on an ad hoc basis - impulsive reactions with no forethought. As I've said elsewhere Malaysians only ever demonstrate 'against' because they have nothing to demonstrate 'for'.

"Opposition rallies had relied heavily on party mobilisation..." And that sums it all up. Malaysians are too willing to tell others what to do, while the other half sits back and wait to be told what to do.

Spontaneity is non-existent and the repressed masses will continue to be repressed - by their own selfishness.

Mushiro: What was important was the rally still went ahead despite the massive obstacles put up by the police. The dramatic arrest of the rally leaders on the eve of the rally also somewhat affected the turnout.

The smaller crowd was expected but the point and message was clearly put across. Many more followed the news on Malaysiakini, Facebook , Twitter and other sites.

Of course analysis of the events will give indications of what, who why and how things happen or did not happen. But the #KitaLawan heroes made it happen.

Negarawan: Pakatan has lost its plot. Holding rallies for the wrong and dubious reasons will certainly not get much support. A new Pakatan (sans PAS) is sorely needed, focused on the right priorities for the country.

Senior: Fight for justice. Leave Najib’s daughter alone. She didn't choose her parents.

Thana55: The lacklustre turnout does not reflect well on Pakatan but at the same time Umno cannot be elated. The underlying anger against Umno has not gone down a bit. It will reignite even brighter soon.

ABbn: The urban public is already an opposition stronghold, so spend more energy to convert the rural folk. Besides we do not want Pakatan to be perceived as public rally organisers only. Strike a balance, don’t overdo things.

Blackmoon@Malaysiakini: The antics of these protesters drew laughter from foreign observers. They questioned the protesters need to drag the prime minister’s wife and his daughter's wedding in their rally. The protesters seem to have lost their focus and priority.

I would conclude that the rally was a total failure. It made PKR look idiotic while DAP shone by its absence. Syabas, police, for a job well done. Keep it up.

Overheard a conversation among the protesters in front of Dang Wangi police station where their leaders, Rafizi Ramli, Tian Chua, Mohamad Sabu and Hishamuddin Rais were watching them from above with broad smile.

"Our leaders seem happy and comfortable up there while we had to endure this stupid rally under this scorching sun," said one.

Another shouted at them "Hoi! turun lah! Join us!" One of the leaders answered "Polis tak bagi turun lah (police won’t let us) ".

And the protesters shouted back "Jump then. TBH (Teoh Beng Hock) can, why you fellas cannot?" He he he…

Haveagreatday: Umno cybertrooper Blackmoon can invent good tales. Sadly for him, this is not one of those mainstream media sites that think claiming Rafizi Ramli, Tian Chua, Mohamad Sabu and Hishamuddin Rais were given seats of honour to review the march past by the Kita Lawan protesters, will endear the Umnoputeras to the folk in the rural hinterlands. Not to those who can think.

Kangkung: Umno has won. It has successfully divided Pakatan. We have PAS to thank for this. The next general election will be plain sailing for the Umno government.

Headhunter: This should be an eye opener to the opposition that the people’s support for them will dissipate into thin air if they are not united as one.

The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now .

These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.