People have started to gather at the Sogo shopping complex in Kuala Lumpur in preparation for an anti-GST rally, April 2, 2016. ― Picture by Choo Choy May

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 — Thousands of people gathered near Dataran Merdeka to protest against the Goods and Services Tax (GST) today, in conjunction with the first anniversary of the consumption tax’s implementation.

Police cordoned off the intended venue, Dataran Merdeka, leaving protesters to converge outside police barriers, after they and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) denied the organisers permission to use the iconic venue.

The rally was organised by federal opposition pact Pakatan Harapan, and spearheaded by Parti Amanah Negara.

The protest also included those who are calling for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to resign.

The rally started at 2pm and ended at 5.30pm, and featured speeches by opposition figures as well as former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who made an impromptu appearance.

Among the opposition figures who attended included PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and DAP Youth chief Wong Kah Woh.

The crowd present chanted slogans calling for the removal of the consumption tax as well as calling for the prime minister to step down.

Police were present throughout the rally, but merely stood guard and observed proceedings until the end of the uneventful protest.

It is unclear if the police will take action against the organisers and attendees over the rally, having warned that the event must not be held at Dataran Merdeka.