Over 5,000 protesters converge on Padang Merbok for anti-TPP rally

Over 5,000 participants joined the protest against the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement protest held at Padang Merbok, two days ahead of the Parliamentary seating on the trade deal, here today.

Organised by the Positive Malaysian Treatment Access and Advocacy Group (MTAAG), Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), the People's Congress, and several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the peaceful rally saw participants converged on various locations such as Maju Junction, Sogo, Masjid Jamek, Masjid India and National Mosque.

Initially, protesters were seen walking to Dataran Merdeka but police and City Hall officers had cordoned off Dataran Merdeka prompting them to gather at Padang Merbok instead.

Donned in green T-shirts, the protesters carried banners bearing slogans urging the government to cancel the 12-nation trade deal.

Perkasa President, Datuk Ibrahim Ali in his speech said, he turned suspicious when America’s President Barack Obama visited Malaysia for the second time, recently.

“My suspicion grew, when Najib tee-off in a game of golf with Obama in Hawaii. When Obama was in Malaysia, my suspicion grew even stronger.

“Why do we reject TPPA? Initially, America invited 60 countries to join TPPA. At last, only 12 countries left,” he said, during his speech at Padang Merbok.

Pas Youth chief, Nik Abduh Nik Aziz in his speech said, it is impossible for Parliament to reject the deal as the majority in Dewan Rakyat is made up of Barisan Nasional parliamentary member.

Among other opposition leaders who attended were PAS vice-president, Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, Pas Dewan Muslimat head, Ustazah Nuridah Mohd Salleh, Nashruddin Hassan Tanawi and others.

Royal Malaysian Police in a statement said, the rally went smoothly and no untoward incidents occurred.

Dang Wangi police chief Assistant Commissioner Zainol Samah confirmed that a man, believed to be a member of an anarchy group was arrested at about 4.20pm at Jalan Tun Perak as he was heading to LRT Masjid Jamek.

The arrest, he said was made to ensure that no parties are involved in causing riots at the rally.

Yesterday, police had arrested six men aged between 30 and 50 on suspicion of vandalising public property, including painting anarchy symbols in several areas around the capital like Jalan Petaling, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Melayu.