UNDETERRED by rain and rush-hour traffic, people began trickling in to the Padang Timur field in Selangor for the “Himpunan Merdeka Rakyat” rally this evening.

By 6pm, hundreds had gathered in anticipation of Anwar Ibrahim’s first public appearance since his release from prison hours earlier.

The PKR de facto leader, who received a royal pardon at noon today, is expected to address supporters at 10pm.

One of the first few people to arrive at the field was Jason Toh, who said there was no way he would miss the chance to hear Anwar speak tonight for anything in the world.

“The people have been fighting with him for the past 20 years,” he told Malaysia Decides.

“I am glad that he sees the future without malice as he has teamed up with even Dr Mahathir for the country. I would not miss it for the world,” he said.

Pakatan Harapan flags and banners lined the field, while party merchandise such as T-shirts, caps and flags were sold at the dozen tents on the field.

Some 30 food trucks were parked nearby.

Pakatan Harapan leaders are expected to arrive soon to deliver their speeches, before the event takes a break for prayers.

Lawrence De Cruz, 39 said that he had supported PKR for many years and he had come to the rally to hear Anwar speak.

“We want him to explain what is the future of PKR and his collaboration with Dr Mahathir.

“We would also very much like to hear his plans for the future of the country,” he said.

Caricaturist Megat Roslan Abdul Wahid, 54, said he wished to find out what Anwar was going to do for PKR and Malaysians.

“What we want to see are changes in the government and we want freedom of speech to express ourselves.

“We don’t want to be blocked like we were by the previous government.” – May 16, 2018.