Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad attended the 2016 Rakyat Congress at the Shah Alam Convention Centre here at about 1.55pm today.
The arrival of the veteran politician and wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali were greeted by the strong 2,000-odd participants who unanimously chanted ‘reformasi’.
A total of 19 speakers from various political background took centrestage to address the crowd. The climax of the event was when the 90-year-old Dr Mahathir galiantly walked up to the rostrum amid cheers and jeers from the crowd.
Apart from Dr Mahathir, the others were Pagoh UMNO chief and former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang, former Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir Mohamad, Selangor MB Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and former law minister, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.
His speech was carried ‘live’ on Astro Awani Facebook.at http://www.facebook.com/astroawani
Astro Awani broadcast journalists, Hilal Azmi, Nizam Bakeri and T.K. Letchumy Tamboo were there to bring 'live' updates of the proceedings via 501Awani/Twitter.
5.51PM: The climax of People's Congress 2016 was when Dr Mahathir took his spot on stage amid cheers and jeers from the supportive crowd.
5.30PM: Muhyiddin Yassin opened his speech stating that 'Malaysia is on the brink of emergency'. Muhyiddin also jokingly said that he never dreamt of sitting beside Lim Kit Siang.
5.15PM: Gombak MP, who is also PKR Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali was greeted with chants of 'reformasi' as he walked towards the stage to address the crowd:
5PM: Lim Kit Siang received thunderous applause as he took centrestage:
4.50PM: AMANAH President, Mohamad Sabu tickled fellow participants when he reminisced about his arrest under the regime of Dr Mahathir. He quickly retracted citing that his attendance at the event was not to regale attendees about the past but to the future. He also cited the act of criticising pensioners as 'an unmanly act'.
4.40PM: Mukhriz Mahathir stole the limelight when he took to the stage. He touched on how leaders should be transparent in issues involving the rakyat.:
4.26PM: PKR vice-president and secretary-general, Rafizi Ramli talked about leaders and abuse of power:
4.14PM: Former Bersih 2.0 chairperson, Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan said it is time to say 'no' to leaders who treat the country as their own:
4PM: AMANAH deputy president, Salahuddin Ayub took to the stage and talked about how the country has flourished under a host of Finance Ministers including one from the Chinese community.
3.50PM: Former MIC secretary-general, Datuk Murugesan Sinandavar advised his BN counterparts to speak only the truth:
3.40PM: Pas' former vice-president Datuk Husam Musa said to seek justice, one must fight any wrongdoings in all sense of the word:
3.20PM: Pokok Sena MP, Datuk Mahfuz Omar was invited to stage to address the audience.
3pm: Seputeh MP Teresa Kok talked about hope and faith.
Astro Awani
Sun Mar 27 2016
The event was attended by a strong 1,500-odd supporters. - Photo by Astro AWANI
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.