Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian opposition parties and non-governmental organizations on Sunday kicked off a massive public rally which saw more than 10,000 people gathering by noon to protest recent fuel price hikes, which they claim have greatly burdened the country's poor. Organizers of the demonstration, held at a stadium in the opposition-controlled state of Selangor which borders the capital Kuala Lumpur, said they expected to see hundreds of thousands of people throughout the day.
Opposition leaders, including former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, were expected to deliver speeches at different times during the rally, which is expected to run until midnight.
Police warned the public not to join in the protest, which does not have a permit, but agreed to allow organizers to proceed as long as they adhere to police instructions.
But organizers remained defiant and pledged to continue with their plans.
"This programme will not be cancelled in whatever circumstances, so that the people will be able to voice their displeasure with the government's decision to raise fuel prices so drastically without any firm reasons," said information chief of the opposition People's Justice Party, Tian Chua.
Heavy police and military presence in surrounding areas in the past week had sparked fears of a violent outbreak, but the atmosphere at Sunday's demonstration was almost carnival-like with stalls selling food and souvenirs and minimal police presence in sight.
Most people at the gathering donned red T-shirts with the word "Protest." Many shouted slogans calling for the government to bring down the prices of fuel.
Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said the authorities would be on standby to take action against those who disregard police orders.
"We will protect public peace and well-being by using whatever legal means available to us," Syed Hamid said earlier.
The demonstration was the largest public rally since November, when tens of thousands of people gathered in the streets of Kuala Lumpur to call for electoral reforms.
Last month, the government announced a 40-per-cent hike in the price of petrol and 60 per cent rise for diesel.
The government said the move was necessary to offset its high subsidy bill.
Critics called for a detailed explanation for the huge increase, saying the move would greatly burden the middle- and lower income earners.
