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Thousands attend anti-GST protest as KL police lock down Merdeka Square

KUALA LUMPUR — Over 3,000 people have gathered near Kuala Lumpur’s Merdeka Square to protest against the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Saturday (April 2), in conjunction with the first anniversary of the consumption tax’s implementation.

People have started to gather at the Sogo shopping complex in Kuala Lumpur in preparation for an anti-GST rally. Photo: Malay Mail Online

People have started to gather at the Sogo shopping complex in Kuala Lumpur in preparation for an anti-GST rally. Photo: Malay Mail Online

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KUALA LUMPUR — Over 3,000 people have gathered near Kuala Lumpur’s Merdeka Square to protest against the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Saturday (April 2), in conjunction with the first anniversary of the consumption tax’s implementation.

Police have cordoned off the intended venue, Merdeka Square, leaving protesters to converge outside police barriers, after they and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) denied permission for organisers to use the iconic venue.

The rally is organised by federal opposition pact Pakatan Harapan, and spearheaded by Parti Amanah Negara.

The protest also includes those who are calling for Prime Minister Najib Razak to resign.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad made an unannounced appearance at the rally, arriving at 5.20pm, close to the conclusion of the four-hour rally.

He was invited onto a makeshift stage by Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu, in contrast to the former prime minister’s appearance at the Bersih 4 rally last year, when organisers did not let him take the stage.

In his speech, Dr Mahathir asked Malaysians to speak out louder to try and get the attention of the Malay Rulers, saying that Putrajaya was ignoring the people’s complaints against rising costs as well as the government’s alleged abuses.

“The Rulers will finally have to listen to the people,” he said in his brief speech, before thanking the attendees for braving the hot afternoon heat to be at the rally.

The uneventful rally ended shortly after Dr Mahathir’s speech.

Former Umno president Dr Mahathir has forged an alliance with parties in Pakatan Harapan for his Citizens’ Declaration demanding the prime minister’s resignation.

The GST was introduced a year ago and remains unpopular over its perceived inflationary effect on prices. MALAY MAIL ONLINE

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