Shahidan predicts mother of all rallies with 300k-500k turnout

PAS lawmaker Shahidan Kassim believes the July 26 rally in Kuala Lumpur calling for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s resignation will be the mother of all rallies.

While police floated a modest estimate of 10,000 to 15,000 attendees, the Arau MP confidently predicted a turnout of 300,000 to 500,000, enough to fill several stadiums and still spill onto the streets this Saturday.

Shahidan (above) suggested that not even the prime minister’s much-hyped “extraordinary tribute” - set to be unveiled tomorrow - will rain on this protest.

“We know that on July 26, there will be a movement or rally taking place, and many Malaysians are expected to attend with an estimated turnout of over 300,000 to 500,000 people,” he told reporters in Parliament.

Based on the former minister’s forecast, the police might have to reconsider their initial plan of deploying just 2,000 personnel to maintain law and order.

Police have identified Sogo, Masjid Jamek, Masjid Negara and Pasar Seni as the main gathering points for this Saturday before protesters head to Dataran Merdeka.

‘Moral, religious duty’ to join

The “Turun Anwar” protest scheduled for 2pm, co-organised by PAS and Perikatan Nasional, is meant to be the key highlight in their series of similar protests which have recently taken place on a smaller scale.

On July 6, for example, more than 100 protesters gathered in Shah Alam to demand the prime minister’s resignation, expressing criticism towards the latest sales and service tax policies and rising costs of living.

Last week, PAS ulama chief Ahmad Yahaya called on all Malaysians to join the rally, describing it as a moral and religious duty.

The Pokok Sena MP said Anwar must step down for failing to deliver on promises, stimulate the economy, and stabilise the country’s administration.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution had reassured that the police will facilitate the rally, and reminded the organisers and participants to abide by the provisions of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

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