Only capitalists will benefit from URA, says lawyer at rally

PAS members held a demonstration outside Sogo Shopping Mall today to show solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) and object to the Urban Renewal Bill.

The flotilla was recently intercepted by the Israeli navy en route to Gaza, with many of the activists being detained, including 23 Malaysians.

As for the URA, despite being unpopular, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the bill will be tabled at the Dewan Rakyat for its second reading on Oct 6.

Malaysiakini concludes its coverage. Subscribe now.

Reporting by Zarrah Morden

Rally ends with prayer

4.15pm: Sogo - The protest closes with a prayer by Jasin MP Zulkifli Ismail.

After that, the crowd disperses swiftly while the PAS Volunteer Corps hold their line.

‘Trump unwelcome due to US interference in Middle East’

4pm: Sogo - PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man points to US interference, destabilising the Middle East, as a reason for Malaysians to reject Trump’s presence in the country.

Earlier, Bersatu vice-president Radzi Jidin expressed his hope that the current Madani government would not last past the next general election.

‘Urban Robbery Act by the Developers’ Action Party’

3.30pm: Sogo - Takiyuddin calls DAP the “developers’ action party”, blaming the party for the URA, which he also dubs as the “Urban Robbery Act”.

Hamzah wants PM to step down over URA, Trump invitation

3.10pm: Sogo - Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin calls on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to resign over both the URA and the invitation to US President Donald Trump to attend the upcoming Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur. 

“Anwar, don't fight just for the interests of developers,” Hamzah says in his speech at the protest. 

He also urges the prime minister to withdraw the invitation for Trump.

‘Only capitalists will benefit from URA’

2.40pm: A rally participant stands in a corner distributing free black t-shirts printed with the words “Tolak URA Pertahan Hak Rakyat” (Reject URA - Defend the People’s Rights). 

Other participants pass through to take the free t-shirts, which they immediately wear, joining the crowd that continues to grow.

Meanwhile, opposition lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali calls on all Malaysians to reject the URA, saying that the proposed law has consequences beyond race, as only the capitalist class will benefit from it.

We are ready to postpone URA: Nga

2.38pm: Amid protests, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga says he is ready to postpone the second reading of the Urban Renewal Bill, which was scheduled for next week.

“As a government that cares for the people, the ministry always adopts an open heart, mind, and door approach.

“We are prepared and willing to hear from all parties’ views that are constructive and not destructive,” The Star quoted him as saying today.

‘URA like Israeli colonisation of Palestine’

2.20pm: Sogo - Around 3,000 protesters have assembled in front of Sogo after being joined by those who marched from Masjid Jamek.

The event opens with a speech from Kampung Sungai Baru activist Rafidah Ibrahim, who likens the URA to the colonisation of Palestine by Israel, a common talking point for PAS.

Takiyuddin arrives, Chinese protesters join rally

2.10pm: Sogo - PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan arrives at Sogo, greeting the party’s volunteer corps as his first move. 

Chinese protesters also arrive amid a crowd that is mainly made up of Malays and Muslims. 

The Chinese protesters are carrying signs condemning the URA.

Crowd gathering at Sogo, cops standing by

2pm: Sogo - About 70 people from the PAS Volunteer Corps line up in front of Sogo. 

Scattered crowds of people dressed to show their support for Palestine are also gathering here.

Police presence is so far light, though they have blocked the main entry into the shopping complex. 

Protesters move from Masjid Jamek to Sogo

1.50pm: Masjid Jamek - About 100 protesters start marching from Masjid Jamek toward Sogo Shopping Complex.

They are mostly clad in black and are seen carrying the Palestinian flag.

LFL slams Saifuddin's 'blind defence' of police conduct at anti-Israel rally

GSF activists safe, release delayed by Yom Kippur - Mohamad

Freedom flotilla to reach Gaza in 3 or 4 days

Israel must release M'sians in 72 hours - lawyer

M'sia seeks Turkiye's help to bring home GSF volunteers