Protesters on the streets again for Anti-GST rally

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the heatwave, over 2,000 people took to the streets to oppose the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
At about 2pm, crowds gathered at different checkpoints around the city centre, including Sogo Shopping Centre, Jalan Sultan and Masjid Jamek, before converging at Dataran Merdeka.
The rally demanded for the abolishment of GST which was implemented since April 1 last year.
People were chanting "Mansuh GST" and some also took the chance to voice out on various issues as chants of "Bebas Anwar" and "Reformasi" from different directions can be heard amidst the blare of vuvuzelas.
Most of the protesters had donned a black shirt as a symbol to stage their disagreement against the new tax regime, while carrying umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun.
However, upon reaching Dataran Merdeka, the crowd was denied their way forward as the area was blocked with police personnel lining up and barricading the area.
Roads leading to Dataran Merdeka were cordoned off since before noon, with heavy presence of police and Kuala Lumpur City Hall enforcement officers patrolling the grounds.

The barricade did not stop the group from gathering near it, some 500m from Dataran Merdeka.
While some protesters continue to brave the heat and others looking for shelter from the sun, Pakatan Harapan leaders took the stage to address the audience on the plight of the people and abolishing GST.
Among them include PKR president Datuk Ser Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, PKR vice president Tian Chua, PKR vice President Nurul Izzah Anwar, PKR Secretary General Rafizi Ramli, Amanah president Mohamed Sabu, and DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke.
Before the rally came to an end, former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad arrived at the rally at about 5.15pm, with the crowd applauding his arrival.
Taking the stage, Mahathir claimed that he had advised Najib not to implement the GST.
The crowd later dispersed from the area before 6pm with no untoward incidents.