Police have locked down the Kuala Lumpur City Centre area ahead of a planned demonstration by the Human Rights Party. Not only has the head of Human Rights party P Uthayakumar been arrested but protesters gathering at various destinations have also been detained without any reasons given. The exact number is not known yet but it is believed that more than 100 arrests have been made.
There is now fear that Prime Minister Najib Razak might seize on the mass arrests to trigger a crack down on his political foes and critics. He is widely expected to call for snap general elections by July this year and faces a sliding credibility problem.
Meanwhile, police roadblocks were set up as early as 5.30 am along Jalan Ampang, Jalan Kepong, Jalan Cheras, Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Duta–Sungai Buloh Highway, among others.
The Hindraf march was supposed to have begun at the KLCC, but plans were changed due to the large presence of police personnel. The march then began from the Renaissance Hotel, which is located about one kilometre away from the Kuala Lumpur City Centre.
An estimated 200 uniformed and plainclothed police officers - including four trucks with Light Strike Force personnel - have been stationed on Jalan Ampang between Avenue K and the Petronas Twin Towers.
Around 9.15 am, nearly 100 Hiindraf and HRP supporters marched from the Renaissance towards KLCC. They shouted 'Makkal Sakthi' and other slogans but were stopped and detained in front of Maya Hotel, a short distance away.
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