Talkback Tuesday: Rallies For Political Change

Last weekend, (1st of May 2014) thousands of demonstrators hit the streets, united in their resolve to remove the Goods & Services Tax, which will come into effect next April. According to news reports, turnout numbers ranged between 15 and 30 thousand and protesters carrying placards and banners congregated at four key points in the city from 11am.

In response Tun Dr Mahathir Mahathir said:

"Street protests aimed at toppling the government run contrary to democracy practice. The action also portrays that those involved did not understand the parameters of freedom in expressing dissatisfaction".

So on Talkback today, we asked just how effective rallies are, in the Malaysian context, as a tool for social and political change.