Malaysians Stage Anti-govt Protest Despite Covid Curbs
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published July 31, 2021 | 05:20 PM
Kuala Lumpur, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Jul, 2021 ) :Hundreds of black-clad Malaysians staged an anti-government protest Saturday in defiance of a ban on public gatherings under coronavirus curbs, piling pressure on the embattled prime minister to resign.
The mostly young protesters, wearing masks and keeping a distance from one another, waved banners reading "failed government" as well as black flags.
It was the first sizeable demonstration in Malaysia for some time, as many had been reluctant to take to the streets due to virus curbs and for fear of getting infected.
But anger is growing at the government's handling of a virus outbreak -- which is escalating despite a lockdown -- and Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's attempts to keep his crisis-riven administration in power.
"We fight because while the people are suffering, this government is busy playing politics," Karmun Loh, taking part in the protest in downtown Kuala Lumpur, told AFP.
"This government is... crippling the economy and also destroying our country's democracy." Muhyiddin "is a terrible prime minister", added demonstrator Shaq Koyok.
"He needs to step down." There was a heavy police presence and officers blocked attempts by protesters to enter a central square before the rally peacefully dispersed.
Organisers said about 1,000 demonstrators took part but police put the number at around 400.
Police told local media that the protesters will be called in for questioning as they had violated the ban on gatherings.
- Parliament cancelled - Muhyiddin took power at the head of a scandal-plagued coalition last year without an election following the demise of a reformist administration headed by Mahathir Mohamad.
But his government is on the verge of collapse after allies withdrew support.
He came under renewed pressure to step down this week after parliament convened following a months-long suspension as part of a virus state of emergency.
His government was accused of dodging a vote that would have tested its majority -- infuriating rival MPs and drawing a rare rebuke from the country's revered king.
Muhyiddin faced fresh criticism when officials announced Monday's parliament session, the final day of the five-day sitting, had been postponed after several virus cases were detected in the legislature.
"The spread of Covid-19 cannot and should not be used as an excuse to adjourn... the parliament sitting," the "Pact of Hope" opposition coalition said in a statement.
Sunday is the final day of the six-month state of emergency but the nationwide lockdown will remain in place.
Malaysia's outbreak is being driven by the Delta variant, and health officials logged a new daily record of 17,786 cases Saturday.
Authorities have reported over 1.1 million virus cases and more than 9,000 deaths.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
Pakistan, Japan agrees to convene 'Economic Policy Dialogue'
FM Dar conveys deepest sympathy on torrential rains devastation in UAE
Spain PM Sanchez says weighing resignation after wife's graft probe
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
Long-lost Klimt portrait auctioned off for 30 mn euros
Osaka seals first win on clay since 2022 in Madrid
Earthquake jolts Karachi
Sindh minister orders operation after attack on police in Ghotki
TikTok to fight US ban law in courts
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
1 day ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
3 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
3 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
4 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
4 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
4 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
6 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
10 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
10 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
11 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
14 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
16 days ago