ABOUT 150 protesters gathered outside Parliament today to object to “DAP’s rule” in the new Pakatan Harapan government. The demonstration was led by Umno leader Lokman Noor Adam.

His civil society group, Pemantau Kerajaan Malaysia Baru or Pemantau, organised the protest to “defend the Yang di-Pertuan Agong” and oppose what it claimed was DAP’s dominance in the new government, which won the May 9 elections.

The group gathered at 7.30am at the car park outside the Bukit Aman police headquarters down the road from Parliament, where the Agong is to deliver his royal address for the opening of the new parliamentary session today.

Police prevented them from marching up to the Parliament gates.

Members of the group appealed to the police loudly, accusing the government of wanting to tarnish Islam.

“Let us pass! Help us give support to the Agong. If you don’t let us pass, you are allowing Malaysia to turn into a republic!” a woman shouted to police officers.

“They want to tarnish Islam. They are allowing Shias to practise,” a man said.

Several protesters pinned a sign to their shirts which read “Return power to the Agong” (Kembalikan kuasa Agong).

They were confined to the car park and enjoyed a breakfast sponsored by Lokman before dispersing. 

Several moves by the PH government since coming to power have unnerved sections of Umno and the Malays, such as the appointments of non-Muslims to the post of attorney-general and chief justice.

Pemantau’s claims that the largely Chinese DAP is calling the shots in PH are a continuation of the narrative Umno used against the then opposition party in the run up to the 14th general election.

As the group dispersed, Lokman told The Malaysian Insight their goal was partially fulfilled when some of the supporters managed to get the attention of Agong. 

“I think around 50 supporters made it near the gates. They managed to show the sign on their T-shirts supporting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong when his car slowed down. I was told he wound down his window to wave at the protesters,” he said. – July 17, 2018.