Hundreds gathered for the protest, despite threats of arrests
Originally published on Global Voices
Activists hold a sit-in protest during the #Lawan rally in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo from Twitter post of Centre for Independent Journalism
Hundreds of activists marched in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur on July 31 to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin over his government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Themed #Lawan (Fight), the protest was also held to demand the resumption of parliamentary sessions and a moratorium on the repayment of all loans. The Muhyiddin government is accused of using the pandemic to suspend parliament in order to consolidate power and relying on draconian regulations to silence and intimidate critics.
#Lawan has attracted broad support as it echoed the frustrations of many Malaysians over the government’s pandemic response.
Authorities summoned at least 20 activists last week, ahead of the planned #Lawan protest. This included youth activist Sarah Irdina who had been arrested on July 29 under the draconian Sedition Act for tweeting about the protest. She was released after a few hours and described her ordeal on Instagram.
With nothing but the walls of my cell and my thoughts I kept asking myself: what would happen to me after this? What would happen if the police refused to release me tomorrow? Would I be able to continue my studies? Would my life ever be the same again? What did I do that was so bad that I deserve to go through this?
This failed government's inhumane treatment of those that fight is for a better Malaysia is what keeps hurting us Malaysia, when their job is supposedly to protect us. This is why we LAWAN.
The #Lawan protest was carried out peacefully, despite threats of arrests. Most of the participants were young activists, and they wore black shirts and carried black flags to symbolize the government’s failure in dealing with the public health crisis.
Current situation at Masjid Jamek LRT #LAWAN pic.twitter.com/S0sKu5O6kR
— Elill (@Elill_E) July 31, 2021
Social distancing was practiced during the march:
#FOEMonitor 12.15-12.30 Ongoing #Lawan protest continues to be peaceful and orderly. Speeches ongoing. Video clip from team on the ground. #FOA #Lawan pic.twitter.com/yJMisotLkk
— Centre for Independent Journalism (@CIJ_Malaysia) July 31, 2021
The march was supposed to end at the historic square Dataran Merdeka but the police placed barriers in the street to close it off:
#FOEMonitor 10.13am – Police barricading entry points to Dataran. Many in plainclothes, some in vests. Protestors observing SOPs are continuing to march. Police should facilitate, not obstruct. #FOA #Lawan pic.twitter.com/Y4TFcI1Odc
— Centre for Independent Journalism (@CIJ_Malaysia) July 31, 2021
This forced #Lawan organizers to hold a sit-in protest instead:
#lawan protestors sit on the road at the Jalan Raja intersection as Dataran Merdeka is cordoned off.
Pic by Alyaa Alhadjri @psychodelicat pic.twitter.com/aWDfg0osJd
— Aidila Razak (@aidilarazak) July 31, 2021
After the singing of the national anthem (Negaraku), protesters called for the resignation of the prime minister
After Negaraku #LAWAN calls for @MuhyiddinYassin to step down pic.twitter.com/Lm4BARvr2u
— KL Chan (@Klchan3) July 31, 2021
The protest ended before 1:00 p.m.
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) noted the importance of observing health protocols but it also castigated the police for arresting organizers before the protest:
Whilst understanding the complexity of the situation, SUHAKAM, however, expresses its concerns over the arrest of organizers and the activists of a planned assembly whilst their belongings were confiscated by the police.
SUHAKAM urges the authorities to facilitate the peaceful assembly by providing an adequate space at an appropriate location for the assembly to take place, thereby enabling physical distancing and health screening of the participants to be conducted safely.
The #Lawan protest was praised by prominent civil society leaders. The daughter of the country’s former prime minister, Mahathir bin Mohamad, acknowledged the importance of supporting young activists.
Dear parents of #Lawan activists, I know you fear for their safety. But they’re doing this for all of us. We should applaud them for their courage. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’re all standing in solidarity with them. #LawanIntimidasi
— Marina Mahathir (@netraKL) July 30, 2021
Civil society groups also commended the young people who joined the #Lawan protest
The organisers of this protest consisted of many young people, and we commend their passion and dedication for our country, as well as their capability in organising this peaceful protest, despite the continuous threat of investigation, arrest and detention.
The groups also called on authorities to stop harassing the organizers. The police authorities have said they will summon several activists because the protest is a mass gathering which is currently prohibited because of the pandemic.
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