Malaysia: Thousands protest fuel price hike, million people protest on July 6 (New date)

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13, 2008: Thousands gathered in front of the Kampung Baru mosque after Friday prayers to protest against the recent fuel price hike. The group, led by Parti Islam (PAS) Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub, walked from the mosque at about 2pm towards the junction of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Dang Wangi in front of the Sogo shopping complex while chanting slogans and carrying banners. They then sat in the middle of the road in front of Sogo for 20 minutes before moving on to the PAS headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut. The protesters were told by organisers to disperse peacefully at about 3.15pm.
Salahuddin told reporters that the protest march was to give a clear message to the government that the people are suffering from the hike in fuel prices and immediate action must be taken to reduce fuel prices. He said more protests would be held if the Government refused to heed the call. “A bigger protest comprising about one million people will be held on July 6 as a measure of the people’s displeasure with the Barisan Nasional government,” he said.

The next protest against fuel price hike is a MILLION PEOPLE RALLY on Sunday July 6, 2008 at KLCC (Twin Towers), 3pm, Kuala Lumpur. Everyone is urged to wear red clothing. Organised by Gabungan Membantah Kenaikan Harga Minyak (Coalition Against Fuel Price Hikes) - PROTES

Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman said no arrests were made. He said the rally organisers had not requested for a permit and instead they sent him a letter on Tuesday informing him the rally would take place after Friday prayers.
Kuala Lumpur police chief DCP Datuk Muhammad Sabtu Osman said close to 900 police and Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel were deployed around the Kampung Baru and KLCC areas. Police forces in the capital have reportedly since been boosted to 2000 in anticipation of further fuel price hike protests. Lately, protest organisers are being picked up by police before major events. Organisers of the July 6 mega-protest fear they may be targeted. In the lead up, there are weekly protests all our the country and speaking tours.
PM under intense pressure
Embattled Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has reportedly struck a deal with his deputy, Najib Razak, to step down if pressure for him to resign intensified amid public anger over rising fuel prices.
But PM Badawi says that no timeframe has been set for the power transfer to Najib and that he intends to stand for the presidency of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO).
Source: Malaysiakini, Star Online, international news agencies, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM). See also PSM statement: Fuel hike a declaration of war against the people