Hundreds join 'Himpunan Melayu Berdaulat' rally in KL

Summary

• Hundreds gathered in Kuala Lumpur to protest the proposed Urban Renewal Act, fearing it threatens Malay demographics and marginalises low-income urban communities.

• Speakers urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to engage with NGOs for clearer insights, while disputes over the Kampung Baru development project and legal tensions involving Khalid Samad also surfaced at the rally.

Hundreds gathered at the “Himpunan Melayu Berdaulat” rally in the capital today to voice issues concerning the interests of Malays and Muslims, including to protest the proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA).

The rally, which began at around 2.30pm, was held simultaneously at four main locations - Masjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur, Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru, Jalan Raja Laut, and Kelab Sultan Sulaiman in Kampung Baru - before participants marched towards the Sogo department store.

Most participants dressed in white and carried banners with messages such as “We Oppose the URA Bill Threatening Malay Demographics” and “We Oppose URA - Usir Orang Asal” (Expelling the Original People), reflecting their concerns over the proposed bill.

The gathering proceeded peacefully without any untoward incidents, under the watchful eye of the police and PAS’ volunteer group, Unit Amal.

Political activist Syed Hasan Syed Ali, when met, urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to immediately meet with NGOs opposing the URA to obtain more accurate information about the bill.

“I believe he (Anwar) has not been given a clear explanation. He’s only hearing from the sycophants, the current officers.

“If possible, Anwar should meet with the NGOs. Get a clearer explanation,” he said.

Previously, the government’s plan to introduce the bill sparked heated debate in the Dewan Rakyat.

The government has stressed that the new law is needed to enable the redevelopment of old and dilapidated urban housing areas.

However, the proposal has faced strong opposition from opposition leaders who believe the bill will marginalise certain communities, particularly low-income groups in urban areas.

‘Listen to Johari’

Meanwhile, Syed Hasan also called on Kampung Baru residents to once again seek advice and assistance from Titiwangsa MP Johari Ghani regarding the development project in Kampung Sungai Baru, Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur.

“All the people of Kampung Baru, go and see the representative you previously ignored. He already said not to sign (agreements with the developer). This is a cikai (low-tier) company, a cap ayam company. Listen again to Johari’s advice,” he said.

Also present at the rally was social media influencer Rafidah Ibrahim, who expressed her intention to take action against former federal territories minister Khalid Samad.

Khalid previously demanded that Rafidah issue a written apology and retract allegedly defamatory claims regarding the Kampung Sungai Baru development project.

The Federal Territories Amanah chairperson is seeking RM300,000 in damages over Rafidah’s claims on social media.

“Khalid, you can send a (legal) summons, but that doesn’t mean the people can’t send a summon back to you,” Rafidah said.

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