Anti-Christianisation rally fizzles out with poor turnout

SHAH ALAM, Oct 22 — Barely 5,000 Muslims were tucked into one corner of the 100,000-capacity Shah Alam Stadium here today, for the intended one million rally to stem the alleged threat of Christianisation.

In contrast to the usual packed seats for Selangor’s home football games, Himpunan Sejuta Umat supporters barely weighed down the bleachers despite heavy publicity in the press throughout the week.

A longview of a section of the rally participants during the Himpun rally at Shah Alam Stadium, Selangor October 22, 2011.

The poor showing forced organisers to start the rally at 3.40pm, more than 90 minutes after it was scheduled to begin, to allow latecomers trickling in to boost turnout.


Despite having a far lower turnout than the July Bersih rally for electoral reform, Himpun speakers talked up today’s rally as a united showing of Muslim resistance to alleged injustices against Islam at the hands of other faiths.

“We hope this will inspire bravery in ourselves and our leaders that will drive change in laws, policies... and the attitudes (of Malaysians), especially among those who continue to convert Muslims,” Himpun co-chairman Dr Yusri Mohamad said.