Year 2013
13 million Malaysians go to the polls
Friday, 19th April 2013
In Malaysia, the 13th general election has been called by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak after a year-long speculation. More than 13 million Malaysians will go to the polls on May 5. This is the first time that the ruling party has gone through the full five-year term before dissolving parliament. Most feel the ruling coalition has lacked confidence to face the electorate on several contentious issues like race, vote buying, electoral fraud, Hudud law and corruption. It faces growing anger due to rising racial and religious tensions, allegations of corruption involving its leaders directly or indirectly, the rising cost of living, police brutality, continued detention without trial and the awarding of scholarships to students based on racial quota and not merit.
Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat Rally
Saturday, 12th January 2013
More than 50,000 people have gathered at various spots, all heading towards Stadium Merdeka in the nation’s federal capital to participate in the Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat rally (AKA KL #112). Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat (literally translates to Uprising of the Citizens Rally) was organised by the Opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat as they ramp up efforts in the lead up to the yet-to-be-announced general election that must occur sometime in 2013. The organisers have paid US$30,000 to the management as deposit to use the venue and signed an agreement with the police to gather peacefully.