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    • 11pm: Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Lumpur police revise the turnout of the red shirt rally from 35,000 to 50,000. They say the earlier figure it provided (35,000) was for those in Padang Merbok only.


      Malaysiakini has estimated the crowd size at around 45,000.


      9.30pm: Kuala Lumpur - In a statement tonight, KL police chief Tajudin Mohd Isa clarifies that only two police personnel suffered light injuries during the Petaling Street fracas.

      He also revealed that police had arrested two men aged 24 and 30 for illegal assembly during the melee.

      He said order had been restored to the area and that police would continue their patrols city- wide to ensure the peace.

      He said police estimate for the crowd that attended today's rally was 35,000.


      Small groups of rouge protesters

      8.01pm: Petaling Street - Three police personnel sustained minor injuries during the rally. They were hurt during the scuffle at the Petaling Street entrance.

      CCID intelligence deputy director Roslan Abdul Wahid says the trio have been taken to hospital for treatment.

      He adds that no arrests were made during the duration of the rally.

      He says the FRU were forced to fire their water cannon because some of the protesters wanted to rampage through Petaling Street.

      "We deployed our assets, the FRU and raised the safety barricades. We warned them not to breach the barricades but there were five or six small groups without leaders who were out of control.

      "When the FRU arrived, we had to maintain order to ensure no violence occured," he says.

      The FRU have stood down and are now boarding their vehicles to leave the area.

      The Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock entrance to Petaling Street is now open but police personnel remain on standby across the street.


      Calm returns to Petaling Street, PM wants violence probed

      7.05pm: Kota Kinabalu - Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak urges police to investigate the violence at Petaling Street.

      "(It) shouldn't have happened. All must abide by instructions," he says on Twitter.

      6:50pm: Petaling Street - Jamal Md Yunos urges protesters to disperse promising to lodge a complaint against Petaling Street traders with the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry.

      "In two days’ time, I will hold a press conference to demand the ministry to take action against Petaling Street (traders). We give them seven days (to take action).

      "After that, if no action is taken, I will lead you into Petaling Street. I promise you. If not, you can spit on my face," he says, to pacify protesters who still want to enter the street.  

      However, Jamal does not explain why action should be taken against the traders.

      He then walks out of Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock heading to the Pudu Sentral bus station with about 100 protesters in tow.

      Several hundred protesters in red shirts are still hanging around near Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, close to Kotaraya shopping complex.

      The FRU is standing down, but some are still keeping an eye on the protesters’ movements.


      Protesters shake hands with FRU but ...

      6:50pm: Petaling Street - Protesters shake hands with FRU personnel and prepare to disperse, but a small commotion breaks out when Gabungan NGO-NGO Malaysia president Jamal Mohd Yunos arrives at the scene.

      He holds a discussion with the police and asks the media not to take photographs.

      A different set of FRU trucks and water cannon trucks replaced those earlier parked about 50m from the entrance of Petaling Street.

      Protesters are still facing off police and FRU personnel.


      New team of riot police deployed

      6:40pm: Petaling Street - About 60 FRU personnel take over from their colleagues who have been on duty since 3pm. The protesters heckle the new batch, but the situation seems under control.


      Negotiations between police and protesters fail

      6.30pm: Petaling Street - Negotiations fail between the police and protest leaders, which include Umno leaders Reezal Merican Reezal Merican and Mohd Razlan Rafii.

      Dang Wangi district police chief Zainol Samah tells them the rally is only permitted in Padang Merbok and police have already given some leeway by allowing several Malay NGO leaders in Petaling Street earlier.

      "It's enough, disperse," Zainol says.

      However, Mohd Razlan refuses to budge. He says Petaling Street is not a forbidden area and protestors are mature enough not to go on a rampage in the street.

      He adds that the area is symbolically important to protesters as it is significant to the ethnic Chinese. He also denies that those who threw water bottles at police were his followers.


      No Umno help for rogue protesters, says Annuar Musa

      6.25pm: Bulatan Dato' Onn - Umno supreme council member Annuar Musa tells journalists that action must be taken against those who caused chaos in Petaling Street.

      "We will not defend them. We will not provide our legal services to those who break the law," he says.

      He denies knowledge of who the rioters were.

      "We checked with our team leaders, they don't know anything (about them)," he adds.

      On the rally itself, he says it was a good show of Malay unity.

      "It showed our community spirit (semangat kaum)... but not in a racist way," Annuar adds.


      ‘If we can’t enter, the police must have been bribed’

      6.15pm: Petaling Street - Protestors are still at the Petaling Street entrance demanding to enter the street.

      "If we don't get to enter, it means police have been bribed to not allow us in," yells one of them.

      One protester, whose name tag reads ‘Jamaluddin from Pulai Umno’ says the protesters are from "various Malay NGOs".


      Crowd disperses in Padang Merbok, clean-up starts

      6.10pm: Padang Merbok - The huge crowd at the main rally site has dispersed.

      Kuala Lumpur City Hall personnel move in to begin cleaning up the site.

      One officer tells Malaysiakini there is an estimated three tonnes of trash in the field alone.

      He says several garbage trucks are waiting to collect the rubbish tonight.


      Jamal Yunos blames Pakatan for Petaling Street scuffle

      6:10pm: Padang Merbok - Gabungan NGO-NGO Malaysia president Jamal Md Yunos blames opposition parties for the scuffle at the Petaling Street entrance.

      "The commotion at Petaling Street [...] those who do not follow the law and caused chaos, this is all provocation by Pakatan Rakyat.

      “They try to sabotage the programme. They want to cause problems. I strongly deny it. They are not part of us," he says.

      Jamal says he has trust in the police to control the situation, and urges police action against those who break the law.

      "They are not part of us, we are good people," he tells reporters.


      Otai Reformasi behind police lines

      6:05pm: Petaling Street - Following the ruckus at Petaling Street, questions surfaced regarding the whereabouts of Otai Reformasi activists who vowed to protect traders there.

      Otai Reformasi spokesperson Ronnie Liu tells Malaysiakini that the group was inside Petaling Street behind police line.

      "The police aren't too happy that we are inside (Petaling Street) but we are caught here. But what's going on outside, we can only find out from Malaysiakini," he says.


      ‘PM shocked, touched by peaceful rally’

      5.47pm: Padang Merbok - Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak sends his congratulations to the participants of the rally through a message read out by Umno supreme council member Annuar Musa in a speech here.

      "I just spoke to the prime minister. He is shocked and touched that the rally is so peaceful," he says.

      Annuar claims a crowd turnout of 250,000.

      "Don't let our position and rights as Malays be questioned and ridiculed.

      “This is no ordinary festival. Let the voice of 250,000 people be a reminder (that) this country has an owner (negara ini bertuan).

      "I hope this does not end at Padang Merbok, and is just the start," he adds.


      Ali Rustam distances himself from rogue Petaling Street crowd

      5.40pm: Padang Merbok - Organiser Mohd Ali Rustam says those who provoked the police at Petaling Street, about 1.5km from the main crowd in Padang Merbok, must take responsibility for their action.

      "Those who commit an offence must accept the consequences," he tells reporters on the scuffle between protesters and police.


      ‘Traitors’ in red shirt crowd

      5:20pm: Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock - A man claiming to be a spokesperson of the crowd in Chinatown says "traitors" in their midst threw the stones and water bottles at police, prompting the FRU to respond.

      The crowd cheers him but insists on going through Petaling Street.

      Some protesters throw traffic cones at FRU personnel while others yell: "Jangan baling barang." (Don't throw stuff).

      A man in red is seen bleeding from his head, and is pulled aside from the crowd by other protesters.

      It appears that a traffic police cone had bounced off an FRU shield and hit the protester.

      Watch Video

      Noh Omar: We give them an inch and they take a yard

      5.15pm: Padang Merbok - Selangor Umno chief Noh Omar in a speech estimates the crowd size to be 200,000 and lauds their high spirits.

      "If the objective was to gather thousands of people, even we can do that.

      "We want to tell DAP they cannot use a demonstration to topple our leader. Wait for the general election.

      "Malays are not like those who attended that illegal rally (Bersih). We give them an inch and they want a yard, " he says.

      He adds that Bersih 4 participants are ungrateful and calls for the revival of the ISA.


      Protesters hurl racial slur at journalist

      5.15pm:  Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock - A protestor verbally abuses a Malaysiakini journalist when she tries to ask him about a placard he was carrying depicting DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang and the May 13, 1969 riot.

      The man earlier said "Ini bangsat" (this is a bastard) when asked how he felt about Lim, but got agitated when pressed for clarification.

      "There is no need for you to ask, both of you are from the same ethnicity."

      Other protesters join in to heckle. The man shouts: "Why are you still here? Go home [...] Cina babi (Chinese pig)."

      A FRU officer interjects and tells all non-Malay reporters to stand on the opposite side of the road from where the protesters are.

      A spokesperson of the protesters says the Malays fought for independence, not the Chinese.

      "Don't forget it was the Malays who fought for Merdeka. Where were the Chinese?" he shouts.


      FRU swings into action, water cannon unleashed

      5pm: Petaling Street - FRU unleashes chemical-laced water onto the crowd.

      The water cannon truck had come in from Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock after the protesters started to throw plastic bottles and hurl verbal abuses at the police personnel, calling them ‘Barua Cina’ (Chinese lackeys).

      Watch Video


      Plastic bottles thrown at FRU personnel as final warning given

      4.55pm: Petaling Street - Refusing to budge, some protesters pelt FRU personnel with plastic water bottles. Police are now chasing the culprits.

      Watch Video


      Amidst standoff, protesters chant ‘DAP bangsat’

      4.45pm: Petaling Street - Protesters bring a drum to the scene where a standoff continues between them and the FRU.

      While beating the drum, they chant, "DAP bangsat, DAP bangsat.”

      Asked why they want to enter Petaling Street, some of the protesters say they want to disrupt the business there. However, the shops are closed for today.


      Padang Merbok crowd begins to disperse

      4.35pm: Jalan Parlimen - Hundreds are seen leaving Padang Merbok.

      One participant, who identified himself only as Rahman, tells Malaysiakini they are heading back to their respective buses.

      "They finish only at 6pm but we are leaving early," says Rahman, who came from Kelantan.


      Tense standoff continues in Chinatown

      4.30pm: Petaling Street - The situation is still tense in front of the Petaling Street entrance from Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock.

      For the past 90 minutes, red shirt protesters have been trying to push through police barricades to enter the street, popularly known as Chinatown. Police and FRU are not letting up.

      About 800 protesters are chanting, "Masuk, masuk, masuk" ('Enter, enter, enter').

      Police instruct the media to stay away from the entrance and the FRU line made up of 40 anti-riot personnel and 80 uniformed police personnel.

      There are five FRU trucks also on standby at Jalan Tun Cheng Lock, 300m from Chinatown's main entrance.

      Police earlier gave a 10-minute warning to disperse.


      Speaker claims crowd size of 300,000

      4.10pm: Jalan Parlimen - Terengganu-based Gerakan Kebangkitan Rakyat chairperson Razali Idris declares the rally a success.

      He believes 300,000 people have turned up to protest the stomping of Najib and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's photographs during Bersih 4.

      "This will teach the DAP Chinese that if they want to protest, there is no need to stomp on photos," he says.

      He adds they should emulate the Malays who successfully gathered today in large numbers without causing damage to public property.

      Besides proving a point, he says the rally also shows that there is demand from the grassroots for the Internal Security Act (ISA) to be revived.

      Malaysiakini estimates the crowd size at about 45,000.


      4pm: KLCC park - Some 15 people, including Marina Mahathir, are gathering here to show the ‘multiracial face’ of Malaysia.

      Organiser Azrul Mohd Khalib says the gathering is to celebrate Malaysia Day. He describes the red shirt rally as "un-Malaysian".


      Ibrahim Ali: DAP is father of all racists

      3.56pm: Padang Merbok - Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali delivers a speech and blames DAP for stoking racial sentiments in Malaysia.

      "DAP cannot say they are not racist. DAP is the father of all racists," he says.

      He says PAS is in tatters due to DAP’s intervention.

      "Congratulations to those who attended this rally. I have not received any reports of untoward incidents," he says.


      FRU sound bell twice as tension escalates at Petaling Street

      3.58pm: Petaling Street - FRU personnel sound their bell for the second time, ordering the crowd to disperse.

      Watch Video

      The 800-strong crowd refuses to budge. The situation is tense.


      Bring back ISA, says Ali Rustam

      3.20pm: Padang Merbok - Pesaka chief Mohd Ali Rustam addresses the crowd of more than 40,000 from the main stage.

      “The rally is called because Malays are disappointed that Malays and Islam were insulted.

      "They insult our PM and step on his picture. Our PM was democratically elected.

      “We condemn Bersih 4 and the participants for stepping on (PAS president) Abdul Hadi Awang's picture," he says.

      He also urges for the Internal Security Act, which allows detention without trial, to be revived.

      There are no other activities at Padang Merbok but participants still remain on the field, singing songs. The popular M Nasir song 'Mentera Semerah Padi' is heard over the speakers.


      Low Yat brings down shutters as red shirts march pass

      3.30pm: Low Yat Plaza - Low Yat Plaza closes its main gate as a group of red shirts head towards Padang Merbok via Jalan Bukit Bintang.

      Public communications manager Gary Lam confirms the mall is closed temporarily to protect the shoppers.


      FRU deployed at Petaling Street

      3.20pm: Petaling Street FRU personnel arrive at Petaling Street to deal with the participants who want to enter the area, which has been cordoned off.

      The number of protestors, who apparently are not joining the main Padang Merbok crowd, has swelled to more than 800.


      ‘Tolak DAP, Hidup Najib, Hidup Melayu’

      2.57pm: Padang Merbok - More than 40,000 people are now in Padang Merbok.

      They sing praises of Prophet Muhammad before chanting "Tolak DAP" (Reject DAP), "Hidup Najib" (Long Live Najib) and "Hidup Melayu" (Long Live Malays).

      More are expected to arrive at Padang Merbok soon as people are marching from various directions. According to the organisers, the capacity for the field is 50,000.


      300 red shirts want to enter Petaling Street

      2.55pm: Petaling Street - Some 300 participants want to enter Petaling Street but the police have prevented them. Negotiations are underway.

      One of the leaders chants, “Chinese don’t be rude, this is the last warning”. Some of the participants are carrying a poster which reads, ‘Kekal Najib’ (Keep Najib).


      Haze clears

      2:50pm: Jalan Kuching - Protesters are still trickling out of PWTC to march towards Padang Merbok.

      The haze appears to have cleared.

      Maimunah, 63, who has come from Ipoh, says she doesn't mind the 3.2km walk.

      "When I worked in a hospital I used to make a lot of rounds, I'm used to walking," she tells Malaysiakini.


      ‘Malays have strong spirit’

      2:45pm: Jalan Kuching - About 15,000 participants flood Jalan Kuching and are marching towards Padang Merbok while taking selfies, singing 'Ini Barisan Kita' and blowing vuvuzelas.

      A senior citizen, Sariah Alang Ahmad, 62, says she is tired but will continue to march to Padang Merbok.

      "Don't mention fatigue. My legs feel like they cannot move anymore, but my spirit is strong. We have to be strong, because the Malays have strong spirit," she says.


      Crowd grows to over 40,000

      Here is the breakdown of the different groups of protesters:

      Jalan Pudu - 5,000
      Jalan Raja Chulan - 1,000
      Padang Merbok - 10,000
      Masjid Negara - 6,000
      PWTC - 20,000

      Total - 42,000


      NSD denies supporting rally

      2.33pm - The National Service Department (PLKN) denies it is supporting the rally, despite buses bearing its logo seen ferrying participants into town.

      It says the buses are managed by third party bus operators and are only hired by the department on a contractual basis.

      "PLKN stresses that the use of the buses for the rally is not our responsibility. We also did not approve any applications to use the bus for Himpunan Rakyat (Bersatu)," says the department.


      Heat and haze take their toll

      2.10pm: Masjid Negara - Participants start moving from Jalan Kinabalu to Padang Merbok while blowing their vuvuzelas.

      Some opt to remain at the mosque, including a group of elderly participants who appear tired given the heat and haze.


      Cops allow marchers to go through Bukit Bintang

      2pm: Jalan Raja Chulan/Jalan Bukit Bintang - After much negotiations, the FRU unit blocking protestors from marching through Bukit Bintang are allowing them to march through the area en route Padang Merbok.

      The crowd applause and take selfies with the FRU personnel as they clear the way. These are part of the participants marching from Jalan Conlay.

      There are two ways to go to Padang Merbok from Jalan Conlay, through Jalan Pudu and through Jalan Bukit Bintang. Some participants are now marching through Jalan Pudu.


      German tourist in sea of red

      2pm: Jalan Conlay - A German tourist finds himself in the middle of a sea of red shirts.

      "Last night, I was told not to go, as it could turn violent," Thomas Lachat, 31, tells Malaysiakini

      "But, I decided to come to see for myself," he says.

      Latchat says he read about the red shirt rally, which has been organised to counter the yellow shirt rally.

      "I know the previous rally was organised against the prime minister," he adds.


      10,000 march from PWTC to Padang Merbok

      1.50pm: PWTC - The 10,000 participants at PWTC are marching to Padang Merbok.

      Some from Kelantan carry musical instruments like the gong and flute to entertain all during the march.

      Others carry placards reading: "Cina DAP jangan kurang ajar di Malaysia" (Don't be rude in Malaysia, DAP Chinese) and "DAP pengkhianat bangsa" (DAP are traitors).


      Varsity says bus not authorised to transport protesters

      2:07pm - Taylor's University clarifies that a bus carrying its logo was contracted to a third party, and was used to carry participants to the rally without the university's knowledge.

      "We would like to reiterate that the management of the university did not authorise the service of the bus for this purpose and the bus was not used to ferry our students to the rally.

      "Immediate action has been made to withdraw the use of the bus with our logo. We regret the unintentional association of Taylor's University with this event," it said.


      Jalan Conlay crowd halfway to destination

      2:08pm: Jalan Tun Perak - The crowd, about 7,000, from Jalan Conlay and Bukit Bintang reaches the intersection.

      The crowd stretches all the way to Hotel Istana. There are no untoward incidents.


      Umno info chief joins rally because it’s ‘legal’

      2pm: Padang Merbok - There are 1,500 participants at Padang Merbok. An announcement instructs them to collect their rice and curry lunch at a tent set up for the day.

      Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan is unable to confirm the total number of participants.

      "I cannot estimate how many are here, but we will soon find out when they all gather (at Padang Merbok)," he tells reporters.

      The deputy minister says he is joining the rally because it is deemed legal by the authorities.

      "This rally is to show support for government efforts in facing the various challenges including the slide of the ringgit. This rally is to urge for these problems to be resolved."


      Homeless get free food and red T-shirts

      1:50 pm: Jalan Hang Lekiu - Homeless people are given food and money as well as red T-shirts.

      One homeless person says they are told to wear red before "jalan-jalan" (walking about) in the city.

      "They gave us food, money and T-shirts. Then they ask to 'jalan-jalan'," he says.

      There are almost 100 homeless persons in the area, all of whom are seen having lunch and wearing red T-shirts.


      PWTC crowd marches to Padang Merbok

      1.40pm: PWTC - Protesters start to march from PWTC to Padang Merbok.

      Among them are Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri Yaacob and Agriculture and Agri-based Industry Deputy Minister Tajuddin Abdul Rahman.

      Protestors also rush to collect pre-made placards reading: "Rakyat bersatu mempertahankan kerajaan pilihan rakyat" (People united behind a government elected by the people) and "Rakyat bersatu menolak penghinaan agama Islam sebagai agama persekutuan" (People united to reject insult on Islam as the religion of the federation).


      Red shirts denied entry into Petaling Street

      1.30pm: Petaling Street - Police stop a group of 200 red-clad protestors from entering Petaling Street.

      "We're not planning to go on a rampage or riot, we just want to go in," one protestor yells out in frustration to no avail.

      Unable to enter, they march to Pasar Seni while chanting "Hidup Islam" (Long live Islam) and "Hidup Melayu" (Long live Malays), and then back to the Petaling Street entrance.


      Haze in KL ‘moderate’

      1.40pm - The haze problem appears not to be as serious as initially feared for the rally as the situation has improved since yesterday.

      There is no monitor in the heart of Kuala Lumpur but both northern and southern KL records moderate readings on the air pollutant index.

      Batu Muda, Kuala Lumpur sees a reading of 85 while Cheras, Kuala Lumpur sees a reading of 88.

      This is in contrast to yesterday's reading for Kuala Lumpur which was in the unhealthy region.

      A reading of 51-100 is considered moderate, 100-200 is unhealthy, 200-300 is very unhealthy while above 300 is considered very hazardous.


      ‘Show Chinese DAP that Malays are in power’

      1.20pm: Masjid Negara - About 5,000 participants are gathered here.

      "Malays are defenders of Islam so we need to rise," says a participant, who refuses to be identified.

      On the other side of the mosque, Federal Territories Umno Youth chief Mohd Razlan Rafii addresses participants from Johor.

      "We gather today to show the Chinese DAP that Malays are in power. The other day, they stomped on a picture of Malay leaders but I don't see any stomping today. We must not behave in such a way," he says.

      He then urges participants to perform zohor (midday) prayers before moving to Padang Merbok.

      "Let's paint the mosque red," he says.

      A National Silat Federation (Pesaka) member who only wanted to be known as Nabil says 500 Pesaka members are tasked to ensure safety at the rally.


      5,000 march to Bukit Bintang to ‘rescue’ comrades

      1:15pm: Jalan Conlay - The some 5,000 people here are now marching towards Bukit Bintang after hearing news that fellow participants there have been arrested.

      "Our friends were apprehended at Bukit Bintang, I want everyone to help them," says an Umno Youth leader.


      1pm - Crowd number crosses 20,000

      Crowd numbers at all gathering points is estimated at a total of 23,000 people.

      Padang Merbok - 1,000
      PWTC - 10,000
      Jalan Conlay - 5,000
      Masjid Negara - 5,000
      Bukit Bintang 2,000


      Red shirts gather at Bukit Bintang despite police ban

      1pm: Bukit Bintang - Some 300 protesters in red shirts defy a police ban and gather in between Park Royal Hotel and Sungai Wang shopping complex.

      They carry red flags which bear the Arabic words: ‘There is no other God than Allah and Prophet Muhammad is his messenger’.

      The group also sings "Inilah Barisan Kita" and chants "Long Live Malays".

      Among those present are activists from Jaringan Melayu Malaysia.

      Shortly after, Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Md Yunos emerges as the crowd swells to over 2,000.

      He leads them to Jalan Conlay, less than 1km away, which is one of the official gathering points.


      12.55pm: Padang Merbok - About 700 people are in the area where thousands of others will converge for the rally.

      There are no activities apart from traders selling headbands with the words 'Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu' and vuvuzelas.

      There is a stage at one end of the field and the area is equipped with a number of facilities including portable toilets.


      Ahmad Maslan chants ‘Hidup Najib’

      12.50pm: PWTC - Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan, who is now in PWTC, begins his speech with chants of "Hidup Najib" (Long live Najib), "Hidup Melayu" (Long live Malays), "Hidup Umno" (Long live Umno) and "Long live Barisan" (Long live Barisan).

      "Our struggle is for the Malay race but we still respect other races. Our struggle is for Islam and for our beloved country," he says, before leading the participants in chants of "Allahuakbar" (God is great).

      Kelantan opposition leader Alwi Che Mat says the "sea of red" signifies the struggle for the homeland.

      "This is our soil, our land, the land where our blood has spilled," he says, stomping his feet on the stage and chanting “Allahuakbar”.

      "Our rally is an Islamic rally blessed by Allah because we are fighting for our nation. We were quiet after Bersih 1, 2 and 3, but we are now fighting Bersih 4."

      He then uttered Islamic invocations and yells "reject DAP".


      Protesters upset with journo’s questions

      12:40pm: Jalan Conlay - Police escort a journalist from Astro’s Chinese-language AEC channel and his cameraman away from the crowd after participants became upset with their questions.

      Malaysiakini learns that among the questions posed, were “Apa contoh Melayu dihina?” (Cite examples of how the Malays have been insulted).


      PWTC marchers to take Jalan Kuching route

      12.30pm: Jalan Putra - A police officer tells journalists they will ask participants to use Jalan Kuching to make their way towards Padang Merbok.

      The rally goers are expected to begin their march from PWTC at around 2pm.


      Man chased away for bringing Dr M poster

      12:25pm: Jalan Conlay - Rally-goers here chased a man away for bringing a poster of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

      "He wanted to provoke the crowd," says a NGO security member.

      Meanwhile, Ashikin Yunus, 53, who is from Johor, lambasts both DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang and Bersih. She tells them to respect the Malays.


      Emotional day for trader

      12.20pm: Jalan Tun Razak-Jalan Tun Ismail intersection - Single mother of four known only as Hamidah is making brisk business selling red headbands with the words ‘Himpunan Melayu Bersatu’.

      "Maruah Melayu! Maruah Melayu! Hari ini kita kasi pecah!" (Malay pride! We're going to break it today!) she shouts to entice customers.

      Hamidah tells Malaysiakini she has sold 500 headbands so far.

      "It has been an emotional day for me. I cried because I never thought Malays would unite," she says.

      As she spoke to Malaysiakini, buses from Bagan Datoh, Perak and Bera, Pahang, drop off more participants to join the rally.


      'Inilah Barisan Kita'

      11.45am: Jalan Conlay - A group of rally goers from Selayang cheer and sing ‘Inilah Barisan Kita’ in front of the Royal Chulan Hotel. They ask the media to take photos and videos of them.

      Meanwhile, some 10 buses bring participants from all over Selangor.


      Protester: We're not here to create chaos

      12pm: KL Sentral - More than 50 people in red T-shirts are headed for Padang Merbok. Among them is Kamaruzaman Baba, 52, who is accompanied by seven family members.

      "We are not here to create chaos or belittle other races," he says, adding that the rally is not to counter Bersih 4.


      Jalan Conlay crowd to march at 2pm

      12pm: Jalan Conlay - Rally goers converged in the middle of Jalan Conlay shouting ‘Hidup Melayu’ and singing ‘Inilah Barisan Kita’.

      Rally leader Armand Azha says that the crowd will only march at 2pm as that is "the order" from the top.

      "Bukit Bintang is closed anyway," he says, before shouting instruction to the crowd with a hailer.


      No stomping on photos of leaders

      12pm: Masjid Negara - Do's and don'ts of the rally are distributed to participants. Among others, participants are barred from putting pictures of anyone on the ground and stomping on them.

      Two individuals were probed for stomping on a picture of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang at the Bersih 4 rally last month.


      Jasa man briefs protesters

      11.57am: Masjid Negara - Special Affairs Department (Jasa) officer Lokman Adam instructs participants to walk the two kilometres to Padang Merbok in an orderly manner.

      He also urges participants to hold ‘solat hajat’ (special prayers) before leaving for Padang Merbok.

      "Make sure you don't take the wrong route and everyone arrives safely," he says in a briefing.

      Lokman says the participants will walk along Jalan Kinabalu and Jalan Tun Hussein Onn.

      Jasa is a unit under the Prime Minister's Department.

      The area surrounding the place of worship resembles a festival, with participants tucking into food packs before the rally which is expected to start at 2pm.

      Drink containers are seen strewn around the mosque compound.


      Umno Youth leader: This is a message for Bersih

      11.55 am: Masjid Negara - Umno Youth leader Mohd Razlan Raffi delivers a speech.

      “We have gathered here to send a message to Bersih that not everyone is their supporters.

      “This gathering is also to show that we support the democratic system,” he says.

      The crowd is waiting for Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi to arrive and lead those present to Padang Merbok.


      Party info chief at Masjid Negara

      11.52am: Masjid Negara - Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan, clad in a red party shirt, arrives and is greeted with applause and cheers.

      The crowd sings "Barisan Kita" while waving their respective state flags.


      Malaysia Day wish – citizens should be grateful

      11:50 am: Padang Merbok - About 400 people are gathering at Padang Merbok, the assembly point for the rally. Most are seen chatting among themselves at the field fringes as there are no activities in store. Others flock the many food and drink stalls.

      Normala Omar, who arrived here as early as 7am, made her way from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

      "I come in high spirits. My Malaysia Day wish is for citizens to be grateful with that they have," she says.


      ‘Hidup Melayu’ rings loud in PWTC

      11.47am: PWTC - About 5,000 people have gathered here. Most are from Perak, Kelantan, Kedah and Terengganu.

      They chant "Hidup Melayu" (Long live Malays) and carry placards reading "Ini Tanah Melayu" (This is Malay land) written in Jawi script.

      Rohayati Kassim, 53, from Langkawi says she is attending the rally for the sake of the Malay race.

      "Malaysia is now chaotic. This is to put things back in order," she says.

      Mahadi Muhammad, 53, stands out in his serban (turban) and black jubah (robe). Hailing from Gombak, he wants to warn DAP not to insult Islam, the royal institution and Malays.

      "I am protesting against DAP which insulted Islam, Malays, our rulers and the prime minister. I am warning them not to be insolent.

      "Everything will be gone if the Malays run amok. Don't betray or be rude to Malays," he says.


      Almost half of shops in Low Yat pull shutters

      11.40am: Low Yat Mall - Scores of outlets are closed, including the Oppo mobile phone shop, where the previous brawl occurred.

      The mall’s public communications manager Gary Lam confirms some 40 percent of shop owners decided not to open their premises today.

      "Some of them believed the wild allegations spread through social media, that they will be harmed," he says.

      He also notes the number of customers has seen a sharp decrease, as public holidays normally draw a crowd of about 60,000.

      Lam says the management usually fines tenants who close their business without valid reasons, but not in this case.


      Ku Li puzzled by Malays under threat claim

      11.35am: Institut Integriti Malaysia - At a forum, Umno stalwart Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah says he is puzzled over the motivation for the rally.

      "You have got the government that is headed by a Malay, state governments headed by Malays, with the exception of one in Penang, the civil service is mostly Malays.

      "The army is mostly Malays and we also have Malay rulers. I don't know where the threat is coming from," he adds.

      He hopes the rally will be peaceful.


      Small group of red shirts in Pasar Seni

      11.30am: Pasar Seni - The Pasar Seni area remains calm with traders operating as usual. About 10 people in red have gathered here.

      "We are waiting to see if others show up. If not, we'll a move to Padang Merbok," one of them tells Malaysiakini.


      ‘The opposition has belittled Malay leaders’

      11:20am: Jalan Conlay - Some 100 people in red shirts arrive at the National Craft Complex, chanting Allahu Akbar (God is Great).

      The men who are from the Alif Ba Ta Silat Association in Gombak said they are participating in the rally to protect Malay pride.

      "The opposition has belittled Malay leaders. We need to stand up and fight," he said. 


      Men carrying red shirts stopped in Low Yat

      11.10am: Low Yat Shopping Centre - Several men enter the shopping mall carrying red T-shirts and are stopped by plainclothes security personnel and policemen.

      The mall’s public communication head Gary Lam tells the media the five have been asked to leave the premises.

      Tension is a bit high at this shopping mall as it was the flashpoint of a racial clash last month.


      Fiery protest, 'Celaka DAP rasis' poster torched

      10:40am - PWTC: About 3,000 rally-goers clad in red gather at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) which is also where the Umno headquarters is located. Those approached say they are from Pekan, Pahang.

      They carry placards reading ‘Menolak perhimpunan Bersih’ (Reject the Bersih rally) and "Menolak campur tangan asing" (Reject foreign intervention), while blowing vuvuzelas.

      A handful of participants start ripping up and burning posters reading: "Celaka DAP rasis" (Damn the racist DAP).

      The fiery incident lasted five minutes.


      Umno info chief Ahmad Maslan in Jalan Conlay

      10:40am: Jalan Conlay - Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan visits Jalan Conlay rally meeting point on a motorbike. He is accompanied by about 20 motorcyclists.

      He says that he wants to send a clear message that people should unite on Malaysia Day.

      About 500 of red shirts are seen hanging outside the National Craft Complex together with 100 motorcyclists near the entrance.

      While the crowd is building up, about 100 left in few buses to PWTC, where most of the protesters will assembled.

      Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Md Yunos Jamal, who is spokesperson for the red shirts, is yet to be seen but several Malay NGOs, including Pekida, are gathered here.


      About 300 buses from northern states

      10.40am - Federal Territories Mosque - Several buses have already left for PWTC.

      A Malay youth, who wished to be known as Jimmy, 28, tells Malaysiakini that about 300 buses came from the northern states.

      "Some left at 4am, and might be going straight to PWTC," he says.

      Despite the rally being called Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu, it is evident that for many gathered at the mosque here are motivated by the call to ‘defend’ the Malay race.

      "We are here to show Malay unity," a woman who does not wish to be named told Malaysiakini.


      'Jangan cabar bangsa dan agama kami'

      10.38am - Masjid Negara: A group of youths from Batu Pahat arrive carrying placards reading: "Lu jangan cabar hak Melayu" (Don't challenge Malay rights), "Jangan cabar bangsa dan agama kami" (Don't challenge our race and religion) and "Bangkit Melayu Bangkit" (Rise, Malays, rise).

      One of them also cry out: "Hidup Melayu" (Long Live Malays)

      The youths are causing a din by blowing into vuvuzelas.


      National Service Department buses spotted

      10.30am: Federal Territory Mosque - There is a hive of activity outside the Federal Territory Mosque near Jalan Duta, where almost 100 chartered buses have brought over 3,000 participants for today's rally.

      Many of the participants, who came from Penang, Kedah, and Perak, are in red. They are scattered around the mosque, many waiting outside their respective busses.

      56-year-old Aina Mohamad tells Malaysiakini that the buses from Tasik Gelugor were chartered by NGOs who pooled their money together.

      "We collected money... We are not from Umno. There's no allowance, only food and water are provided," he says.

      His companion, Salehin, 57, expects about 300,000 people to turn up for the rally.

      "They (Bersih) think they are the only ones who can do it (rally). We can do it too," he says.

      They are not concerned about the long walk from PWTC to Padang Merbok later, believing God will give them strength.

      Meanwhile on the steps leading to the mosque, one of the participants hands out bandanas.

      There are two types of headbands, one with 'Tanah Melayu' written on it and another with 'Pantang dicabar'.

      Several National Service Department buses are spotted with red shirts boarding them.


      Only one stall open for business in Petaling Street

      10.20am: Petaling Street - All stalls in Chinatown are closed, with one exception - a stall selling pajamas.

      The stall owner who identified himself as Mr Tan, says while he is worried about the rally, it will not stop from working today.

      He says the police have promised to block access to Petaling Street.

      “There are many police here. Other stall owners asked me why open for business. I said what’s there to worry. If I stay at home, I have nothing to do.”

      Nevertheless, he says he is not getting a lot of customers.

      “Perhaps I will close shop at noon. It depends on the situation,” he says, adding that there are about 700 stalls along the street popular with tourists.

      Most of the shops along the street have also pulled down their shutters but the hotels there are operating as usual.

      According to a police officer, there are about 500 men deployed in the area.


      5 buses from Felda Jengka

      10am - Masjid Negara: Five buses arrive from Felda Jengka carrying about 200 people all dressed in red.

      Hasnah Ibrahim, 61, said she was informed she had to go to Kuala Lumpur yesterday evening.

      She said she is here because ethnic Chinese participants who had the opportunity to attend the Bersih 4 rally.

      "I was jealous, because only the yellow shirts got to gather and we want to gather, too. Only the other races (bangsa asing) was able to do so before," she said.

      Another participant, Hasnah Jahiriah, 37, said she hopes the rally will be peaceful.


      Convoy of 11 buses from Gua Musang

      9.50am: Masjid Negara - About 100 red shirts are waiting for more protesters to join them. Many of them are from Felda Gua Musang in Kelantan.

      According to Zabedah Ali, 45, her group left Gua Musang at 10.30pm yesterday and arrived here at 4am.

      “We didn’t get to sleep much,” says Zabedah, while having her breakfast prepared for the group along with some tea.

      She tells Malaysiakini that the group came in a convoy of 11 buses.


      All is quiet in Jalan Conlay

      9:45am, Jalan Conlay: The gathering point for the Malay NGOs looks quiet with about 20 police motorcycles parked outside of the National Craft Complex.

      Yesterday, rally leader Jamal Md Yunos said the crowd will gather from 10am.


      Huge police presence in Bukit Bintang

      9.30am: Bukit Bintang - About 500 police officers and those from the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) are seen on standby at the Pavilion shopping mall as well as the surrounding shopping area.

      The red shirts had initially planned to gather in Bukit Bintang, but some will now gather in Jalan Conlay instead, about one kilometer away.

      The huge presence of the police has attracted attention from early shoppers and tourists alike. However, no red shirt protesters are seen in the area.

      The crowd at Bukit Bintang on a public holiday like today can easily reached 20,000 to 30,000 at peak hour, says taxi driver R Suresh.

      "But today, not many come out," he laments.


      50 buses stop at Wilayah mosque

      8.40am - About 50 chartered buses are parked outside the Masjid Wilayah (Federal Territory mosque) near Jalan Duta. Buses are also seen on the side road leading to the mosque.

      At PWTC, hundreds of protesters are seen milling around.


      Protesters expected to gather in three areas in downtown KL

      7.45am - The pro-government Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu, organised by the National Silat Federation (Pesaka) as a counter to the Bersih 4 rally last month, is expected to converge in downtown Kuala Lumpur at 2pm today.

      Umno denies organising the protest but Pesaka is seen as a front for the party, as the organisation is spearheaded by Umno leaders including former Malacca chief minister Mohd Ali Rustam.

      The rally was plagued by confusion in the early stages as it was left to radical Umno grassroots which adopted a racial approach but the direction changed after the Umno central leadership finally took over, using Pesaka as proxy.

      The rally, initially dubbed ‘Himpunan Maruah Melayu’, saw hardline Umno leaders such as Jamal Md Yunos threatening to gather in predominantly Chinese business areas such as Bukit Bintang and Petaling Street with subtle threat of violence.

      However, after the central Umno leadership's involvement, this has been toned down to a ‘unity’ rally with instructions to steer clear of such areas.

      According to some reports, as many as 2,000 buses are transporting thousands of Umno supporters from around the country to the rally.

      Rally goers are expected to march from three areas to Padang Merbok on Jalan Parlimen - Masjid Negara, PWTC where Umno headquarters is based, and the Kuala Lumpur Crafts Centre on Jalan Conlay.

      A fourth gathering point is at the Federal Territories Mosque on Jalan Tunku Abdul Halim (Jalan Duta) but participants here will later be bussed to PWTC for the march.

      The planned marches are significantly farther compared to the Bersih 4 rally amid haze at unhealthy levels.