The first major rally of 2017 kicks off today, in support of amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act (Act 355) tabled by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.
It takes place at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur from 2pm to 11pm and will be a marathon of speeches, capped with Abdul Hadi's address at 10.30pm.
Meanwhile, a group called Bebas is holding a counter-rally at 3pm at Tasik Taman Jaya, Petaling Jaya, to reject the bill.
Malaysiakini reports to you live from the ground
'Previous amendments went without a hitch'
8.30pm: Padang Merbok - Jamil Khir Baharom addresses the crowd and explains that the last amendment of the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 was in 1984.
At the time, there were no objections but now it is becoming a complicated matter because there is too many objections, he says.
"If there was no problems in 1984, everyone accepted it, why is it that in 2016 and 2017, we have to hold such a rally?
"Why is it so complicated? We are not denying the rights of others. Are Muslims denying the rights of others? Why are some feeling uneasy when we empower the Syariah Courts?" asked Jamil Khir.
Despite the rain, rally participants are listening attentively and are waiting for the VIP of the night - PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.
Sky opens up
7.35pm: Jalan Parlimen - The light drizzle has led to a heavy downpour during Mahgrib prayers.
After prayers, many rally participants rush for shelter which is short in supply within the vicinity.
Many are seen using placards and banners to cover themselves while rally leaders continue delivering their speeches.
Cabinet minister joins rally
7.30pm: Padang Merbok - Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki arrives.
Both of them are clad in purple, the theme colour of the Act 355 rally.
They make their way to the canopy at Padang Merbok as it begins to drizzle outside.
Yesterday, MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan, who is also International Trade Minister II, insisted that any ministers attending the rally is not endorsed by BN or the government.
Amanah gets ticking off
6.50pm: Jalan Parlimen - A sign telling Amanah not to ally itself with the enemies of Islam is put on display on with a banner that says that the people of Bukit Tumbuh support amendment to Act 355.
Sign owner Fadil Rahman says he believes Amanah will never support the amendments as long as they maintain ties with DAP.
"They've sold their principles. Muslims would never do that.
"They've used this bill to attack PAS for their own political gain," Fadil tells Malaysiakini.
Gerakan MPs should all quit
6.40pm: Ipoh - Just an hour after the counter-rally concludes, DAP Youth chief Wong Kah Woh offers a rebuttal to Gerakan Youth deputy chief Andy Yong's speech.
Wong says Yong's pledge to quit should Gerakan MPs back Hadi's bill "does not draw much interest".
Instead, he says Gerakan MPs should resign if their coalition partner Umno were to back the bill.
"If Gerakan has the political conviction and is sincere in defending the nation's structure from being destroyed... its cabinet ministers Mah Siew Keong and Liang Teck Meng should offer to resign and pull Gerakan out from BN if Umno MPs voted for Hadi's bill," he says.
He adds that Hadi would not be able to table the private member's bill in Parliament if it was not because of Umno's support nor does PAS have enough MPs to pass the amendments without Umno.
'PM must ensure survival of Islamic laws'
6.40pm: Jalan Parlimen - Many are still heading towards Padang Merbok from Masjid Jamek. However, some are also heading back home instead of waiting for tonight’s grand finale.
Amidst the thousands of rally participants, one man, clad in traditional Malay clothes, is the centre of attention for photographers.
The man who only wants to be known as “ustaz”, even has a kris in his waistband.
He carries a banner which bear the words: "Survival of Islamic laws: the prime minister and Muslims must implement it, make it part of the constitution and uphold them".
This "ustaz" from Petaling Jaya tells Malaysiakini that he is here to fulfill his responsibility as a Muslim by upholding Allah’s laws.
Explaining his Baju Melayu outfit, he explains that he is dressed as such to showcase his Malay identity.
"As a Malay and Muslim, this kris symbolises how Malays are in charge of the country’s administration and uphold Islamic policies," he says.
Police estimates: 20,000
6.20pm: Padang Merbok - According to an official police statement, the authorities estimates crowd size to be 20,000.
Dang Wangi district police chief Mohd Sukri Kaman adds that everything was under control thus far and that Jalan Parlimen faces closure.- Mkini
Assalamu alaikum warohmatullahi wabarakatu.
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