More than 3,000 gather in Johor


  • S Pathmawathy and Lynn D'Cruz
  • 3:28PM Apr 28, 2012
 
More than 3,000 Bersih supporters surrounded Dataran Bandaraya in Johor Baru for the sit-in protest this afternoon, with more arriving, even though the venue is heavily guarded by police.

The nationwide rally is being held simultaneously in eight other states in solidarity with the 100,000 yellow-clad supporters who have flooded Dataran Merdeka area in Kuala Lumpur.

NONEThe crowd is heard shouting in chorus, "Rakyat Melayu Rakyat Malaysia, Rakyat Cina Rakyat Malaysia, Rakyat India Rakyat Malaysia," as more pour in about 2pm.

A simultaneous rally was also held by Malaysians working in Singapore at a shopping mall at the Johor Baru Waterfront 7km from Dataran Bandaraya, as Singaporean officials had denied a police permit for the sit-in protest in the island republic.
About 4.45pm, the numbers reduced, but some Bersih supporters found their cars splashed with acid. A nearby police car escorted the owners of the cars to lodge a police report.

The Kota Kinabalu rally saw over 500 congregating at Padang Merdeka since 2pm under heavy police surveillance.

NONEA police helicopter was also spotted hovering over the field.
About 3.50pm, the crowd began winding down after “achieving the objectives” of protest.
Some were seen shaking hands with police personnel, who had brought out their brass marching band to defuse any tension that might arise.
In Sarawak, 2,000 people made their way to the Miri District Office compound undisturbed, while more than 500 gathered opposite the courthouse near the Kuching Waterfront.

Supporters in Miri had celebrated the countdown to the rally today by cutting a cake with Bersih’s eight demands as the icing at midnight.

In Malacca, the Dataran Pahlawan field was cordoned off as the city council celebrated its 9th anniversary from 11am to 7pm, toasting the city's 750-year  history..

A few supporters to arrive first at the main entrance to the location and the crowd quickly grew to 3,000.

The major protest in Kuala Lumpur turned chaotic with tear gas and chemical-laced water fired at the protesters along several roads.

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