Malaysia's Post General Election Rally 2013

Himpunan Black Out 2013

Poster of the first rally featuring Anwar Ibrahim in the background
Date 8 May 2013 - 22 June 2013
Location Every state in Malaysia and federal territory of Kuala Lumpur except Sabah and Sarawak.
Causes Allegations of fraud in 2013 Malaysian general election
Goals To express discontent with the election result
Status Concluded
Parties to the civil conflict
None
Lead figures
None
Number
120,000 (First Rally)
150,000 (Second Rally)[1]
None
Casualties
0
0

Malaysia's Post General Election Rally 2013 or Himpunan Black Out 2013 (Malay) was a series of rallies held throughout Malaysia after the 2013 general election to express discontent with the election result. The first rally was in Kelana Jaya, Malaysia on 8 May 2013. The rally was held by various Malaysian opposition-friendly non-governmental organisations and opposition parties claiming that there had been irregularities in the polling. The main venue chosen for the rally was Kelana Jaya Stadium. Web sites and blogs favourable to the opposition claimed that the rally was attended by 120,000 people.[2] However, the claim is disputed as the stadium can only hold 50,000 people at one time.[3]

List of nationwide "Himpunan Black Out" rallies

A crowd of black-clad protesters at Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Accusing the Election Commission of fraudulent conduct

The rally was initiated by Anwar Ibrahim, who claimed that the election was fraudulent even though the opposition won two states (Kelantan and Penang). In the rally Anwar Ibrahim urged opposition supporters to wear black as a sign of protest against the Barisan Nasional government, which won the elections despite losing the popular vote, thereby gaining the mandate to lead Malaysia for another 5 years.[4]

Issues raised

Anwar Ibrahim and other Democratic Action Party (DAP) leaders present at the rally raised issues such as phantom voters, blackouts and the usage of indelible ink by the Malaysian Election Commission.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Choon Mei, Wong (11 May 2013). "More than 150,000 at Penang's largest-ever rally to protest 'cheating' Najib, EC". The Malaysia Chronicle. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  2. ↑ Live Report. "120,000 show of force at post-GE13 rally", Malaysiakini, Kelana Jaya, 8 May 2013. Retrieved on 9 May 2013.
  3. ↑ News. "Thousands pack Kelana Jaya stadium for Pakatan rally", Malaysia Today, Kelana Jaya, 8 May 2013. Retrieved on 9 May 2013.
  4. ↑ Razak Ahmad and Florence A. Samy. "Malaysia Elections: BN wins with 133, wrests back Kedah", Asiaone, Petaling Jaya, 6 May 2013.Retrieved on 9 May 2013.
  5. ↑ Clara Chooi. "Najib denies BN link to phantom voter claims", The Malaysia Insider, Kuala Lumpur, 5 May 2013. Retrieved on 9 May 2013.