Zahid Claims Turnout Is 500k

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LIVE | Tens of thousands are expected to converge on the streets of Kuala Lumpur this afternoon to celebrate Putrajaya's decision not to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd)
Organised by Malay-Muslim NGOS, the gathering is also supported by Umno and PAS
Those attending will gather at three different locations – Sogo shopping mall, Masjid Jamek and Masjid Negara – before marching towards Dataran Merdeka
The gathering, which is to start at 2pm and end at 6pm, has sparked off concerns of possible racial tension but the organisers have vowed that it would be peaceful
Malaysiakini brings you live updates of the event:HIGHLIGHTSZahid claims turnout is 500kPAS No 2: We're not anti-Chinese or IndiansSky turns grey above Dataran MerdekaCongestion leads to commotionHadi arrives riding pillion on a motorcycleNo provocative speeches, organiser tells crowdNik Abduh leads prayer at Sogo, Najib at PWTCDespite police's warning, children spotted at rallyTruck turns into a makeshift stageUmno Youth chief: Historical day as Umno and PAS come togetherSilat group submits memo, palace rep gives mineral water bottlesZahid claims turnout is 500k4.45pm, Jalan Raja: Umno president Ahmad Zahidi claims that the turnout is 500,000
He urges Umno and PAS supporters to set aside their differences and join hands to fight for Islam and Malay rights
"I received a report that only 50,000 people would come. But we see that 500,000 people are here
"This is a manifestation of the fact that we would rise if Islam is touched. Do not mess with the people,” he adds
Zahid says the ratification of Icerd will also affect the people in Sabah and Sarawak
The crowd applauds when he announces that former premier Najib Abdul Razak is present
Crowd size 80k at its peak, dwindles as storm clouds gather4.30pm: Malaysiakini estimates the crowd size at its peak to be about 80,000 around 3pm
Kuala Lumpur police chief Mazlan Lazim places the figure at 55,000 as of 4pm. In the past, the police have always been criticised for downplaying the figures at anti-government protests
The organisers have not announced their own estimate
However, many were seen leaving as storm clouds gather. At present, it is estimated that some 40,000 are still in the area
-Mkini

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