About 100 people marched to Dataran Merdeka tonight in a protest demonstration calling for immediate institutional reforms.
The “Himpunan Merdeka Gelap”, which lasted for half an hour, was led by student activist Brendon Gan, president of Himpunan Advokasi Rakyat Malaysia.
The gathering began at 8.30pm at the Sogo shopping complex with a crowd of about 50 people, which swelled to more than 100 at Dataran Merdeka. Rally-goers raised several issues, including the death of Form 1 student Zara Qairina Mahathir, the integrity of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and matters related to the judiciary.
The participants were seen carrying posters demanding justice for Zara and chanted slogans such as “justice for Zara” and “Hidup rakyat”.
Gan said Malaysia was at a critical juncture, as promises of reforms seemed to have been delayed. He said numerous tragedies and scandals that had taken place, as well as weak policies, had highlighted the fragility of the system, especially on the safety of schoolchildren, and matters of integrity in the public services.
“The public is demanding proof that the government is serious in wanting to strengthen these institutions and not just talk about reforms,” he told reporters. Gan said the lukewarm turnout for the rally was not an issue, and that what mattered was the message they were trying to get across.
“These issues proves there is a need for immediate and holistic action to restore public confidence in the government,” he said.
Public protests have been held since July over the death of Sabahan schoolgirl Zara Qairina, who was found unconscious at 4am on July 16 after allegedly falling from the third floor of her school’s hostel in Papar. She died in hospital in Kota Kinabalu the next day.
A coroner’s inquiry into her death is to be held over 18 days later this month.
