YOUTH group Sekretariat Solidariti Rakyat (SSR) will hit the streets once again if Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin refuses to relinquish his post now. 

SSR spokesperson Mohd Asraf Sharafi Mohd Azhar demanded Muhyiddin to step down immediately for failing to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus and for failing to steer the country out of the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

Asraf said at a virtual press conference today that SSR plans to call for another gathering on August 21 to pressure the prime minister to quit, and this time with a much bigger crowd.

“This government has failed miserably and those in power must realise when to step down (to allow) others who are more capable to lead. SSR is ready to take the street again on August 21 if Muhyiddin refuses to relinquish his post.

“We will mobilise a bigger crowd this time. Going to the street is not an option if we do have a genuine leader. The only language for a selfish leader is street demonstration,” said Asraf.

Last Saturday, SSR organised an assembly that went on peacefully. They demanded for the resignation of Muhyiddin, a full parliamentary sitting, as well as a loan repayment moratorium for all.

The protest was attended by mostly young people, who gathered at Jalan Tun Perak before marching towards Dataran Merdeka.

The rally was converted into a sit-in outside Kuala Lumpur City Hall, after protesters were prevented by police from entering Dataran Merdeka, where they had planned to stage the protest.

The event, which went on in spite of the movement control order in Kuala Lumpur, saw rally goers carrying banners and placards to voice their dissatisfaction against the Perikatan Nasional government.

Some of the placards read “kerajaan pembunuh” (murderous government), in reference to Putrajaya’s mishandling of the Covid-19 crisis.

Some even carried effigies wrapped in the traditional Muslim white shroud to symbolise the Covid-19 deaths.

Police have since called up more than 10 protesters, including the organiser.

Dang Wangi police chief Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said although the rally was peaceful, it was a violation of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infected Local Areas) (National Recovery Plan) Regulations 2021.

Commenting on the compliance with standard operating procedure, Zainal said the rally participants wore masks, but physical distancing was not observed. – August 7, 2021.