The 50 protestors who turned up at the Thai embassy were upset with the Malaysian government and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak for officially welcoming the “illegal” premier.
“Dictator not welcome. Go back Prayuth,” shouted the angry crowd at the embassy premises in Jalan Ampang where the protest took place.
They also held placards that read “return democracy”, “no coup” and “dictator not welcome”.
Parti Sosialis Malaysia, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas, Komas and 14 others NGOs were involved in the protest.
They demanded Thailand to immediately repeal its martial law, end its crackdown and arrests of political dissidents and release its political prisoners.
They also called for Thailand to restore its electoral process.
’Don’t recognise Prayuth’
“Before these conditions are fulfilled, we called upon the Malaysian government to stop recognising Prayuth’s administration,” demanded the group in a memorandum they submitted to the Thai Embassy.
“We demand that the general shall not be treated as a guest in Malaysia,” added Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor president Irene Xavier.
She said it is a shame that Asean countries have endorsed Prayuth, who has gone against the principles of democracy, she said.
Meanwhile PKR Batu MP Tian Chua, who was also present, said “It’s important that Malaysia, which will become the chairman of Asean next year, takes the lead to condemn and pressure Thailand to restore its democratic process.”
Receiving the group was the embassy’s minister-counsellor Annop Soonjan (left), who thanked their visit and promised to convey their message to Prayuth later in the evening.
On May 22, Prayuth took control of the country after removing elected prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, following six months of massive protests and a court decision against the latter’s premiership.
28 people have been killed and over 700 injured in the Thai protests preceding Prayuth’s coup and three months later, the army chief was endorsed by Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej as the new premier.
Kow Gah Chie