KUALA LUMPUR – Perikatan Nasional (PN) Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden has claimed that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) instructed the organisers of today’s “Turun Anwar” rally to dismantle a stage erected at Dataran Merdeka.
In a Facebook post, Afnan, who is also PAS Youth chief, said DBKL issued the instruction at 10am, while police informed them that only two four-wheel-drive vehicles were allowed into the area.
“At 10am, DBKL told us to dismantle the stage. Police said only two 4WD vehicles are allowed in.
“At 3.30am, police said we could bring in two 4WDs, set up the stage, arrange chairs, and put up the backdrop.
“Once everything was set up, they told us to take it down. What was said yesterday was different. This morning, it’s a different story,” he wrote, questioning whether this amounted to provocation.
Separately, media reports said police presence has been ramped up in the capital ahead of the rally, which is scheduled to begin at noon.
Security personnel were spotted around Dataran Merdeka, Sogo shopping complex, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, and the National Mosque.
Participants began gathering earlier this morning and are expected to march to Dataran Merdeka at 2pm. Many were dressed in black, with some reportedly travelling from Kedah, Perlis, Terengganu and Kelantan.
Besides Sogo, demonstrators also gathered at four other locations: the National Mosque, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, and Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim instructed the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to cooperate with Saturday’s PAS-led rally and to facilitate the event without intimidation or undue restrictions.
Senior press secretary to the prime minister, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, said the Madani government’s position remains clear and consistent in upholding democracy.
He added that the right to voice dissent – even from government critics – is a fundamental element of a free and just nation.
Meanwhile, 16 roads in central Kuala Lumpur will be diverted today due to the rally. The event is expected to conclude at 5.15pm. – July 26, 2025.