Live – 20000 attend Najib’s free 1Malaysia dinner in Penang

Blog contact SamG is reporting live from FRU, Air Itam.

2307: Najib is leaving now. The USM crowd is screaming away as they wave goodbye.

(I was passing by the Batu Lanchang market a few minutes ago, and I noticed that half the 1Malaysia flags that were stuck in the holes of the drain covers along the pavements have fallen flat on the pavement. Inside the KFC nearby, a couple of dozen people in the blue 1Malaysia Charity Drive T-shirts were tucking in. Maybe they didn’t get to eat at Air Itam? – Anil)

2302: The concert continues but thousands are leaving. Najib is still inside listening to the concert.

2250: All the VIPs and Najib are on stage for a group photo. Some BN supporters are chanting, “Undi BN!” as they leave.

2244: There is an exodus of people – a human traffic jam heading out – after Najib’s speech. Local candidates are now being introduced. Some of the projects are being launched now and fireworks are released. USM students have put up their banners again as the crowd makes its way out.

2242: Three times the question goes out. “Are you ready for BN?” This time the response is 50-50. Most people have left and it is mainly the supporters that remain.

2234: Najib promised to build one million affordable houses, whereas PR is only building a fraction of the number, he said. He also promised three-room homes in the Air Itam area: 9999 bigger and better homes compared to what PR promised. Those in 400 sq ft homes will get 800 sq ft flats.

2231: More people are streaming out. Half the crowd are still eating and others walking out. One guy said someone gave him a KIMMA flag and he was waving it. But he did not know what it was about. More people are leaving, as I think the food is finishing.

2228: It is a carnival kind of crowd. People walking in and out. Makan going on. I think the ferried in crowd is screaming in support. Can’t understand what is being said. The sound system speakers are blasting too loudly.

2225: Najib screaming; crowd screaming. Confusing.

2224: The night has been trouble-free but one trouble-maker has been thrown out. Some of the crowd look as if they have been ferried in.

2219: A group of university students is standing near the entrance with banners in support of Najib’s leadership. Najib is finally invited up to speak.

2210: Teng is speaking in Malay and Mandarin and getting hot under the collar. The crowd is getting into it and sounds of 1Malaysia can be heard. PR is only hot air, he says. And then he targets the Selangor MB for not keeping promises – unlike the BN. He talks about how the people are Penang are complaining that they can’t get affordable housing. Today, the BN is promising 800 sq ft unit flats to Rifle Range dwellers.

When Teng asks, “Are you ready for BN?” Shouts of “Yes!” and “No!” can be heard in somewhat equal numbers.

2204: A group of university students holding up “We love PM” banners are walking in. Teng is going up to speak now.

2156: The chairman of the Penang Chinese Town Hall is delivering a speech now. He requests the PM to restore Penang’s free port status and to build the monorail, which he hopes will be extended to the mainland. He hopes the petition to the PM will bring these projects in an contribute to increased tourism and service sector growth.

Was told about 300 FRU personnel on duty.

One blog reader sends me a text message: “Shameless display by PM.”

2154: Najib is invited up the stage. Meanwhile Rela members surround Najib’s car – to protect it?

Over in Kulai, Johor, the mood is festive. Blog contact Adil files in this photo from the scene:

2148: Convoy of motorcyclists arrive and police are clearing a path for Najib’s car to enter under police escort. A small group gives wild support. But a big crowd is seen leaving.

2134: Another local Chinese band is on stage. St John’s Ambulance volunteers are busy pushing senior citizens on wheelchairs in and out.

Meanwhile, over in Kulai, Johor, a ceramah is in progress with a more festive atmosphere, attended by a vibrant local crowd of about 2000. Superman Hew is speaking now and Teo Nie Ching and Kit Siang are expected to address the crowd as well. This is the scene at Kulai:

2122: Sheila screams, “Salam 1 …” But few respond.

I think Najib is arriving. I see a large group of motorcyclists carrying flags at the entrance and a four-wheel drive behind. But it is another false alarm.

Sheila tries again, “1…” But hardly any response from the crowd. “Jom kita conquer Penang balik!” But all quiet. (Is that a telling sign or what? – Anil)

2118: Sheila Hamzah on stage now. Gates are fully open and 1000-2000 people entering.

2112: Once Najib is in, I will walk around.

2109: Lots of police outriders but can’t see Najib yet. Wonder how the crowd will react. Hundreds have left after makan. But food still flowing.

2105: David Arumugam is on stage crooning his all-time great song, Sampaikan Salam.

2104: I shook hands with Abdullah Badawi as his four-wheel drive stopped in front of me.

2100: Najib is due to enter shortly.

2058: A big group of Umno supporters has been ferried in. Think they have come with Najib.

2052: The second singer is belting out a Malay number. Najib has not yet arrived.

2047: Some of those who have finished makan are carrying food packs out. But small groups are still coming in.

2037: An accident occurs! A fan near the stage falls on a 40-year-old woman’s head. It is a big fan, the type found hanging from roofs or on steel structures. The place is covered by a canopy held up by steel structures.

Internal bleeding suspected. The victim has been sent to hospital.

People continue to stream in while others are streaming out after makan.

2031: Jaclyn Victor sings the 1Malaysia song now.

2028: The grounds are full all right. Crowds of people are milling around stalls. Small groups of people are streaming out. Jaclyn Victor is singing now.

2024: Some are saying there are 20000-30000 people here. But the crowd is totally unresponsive. The MC is screaming away but people are hardly bothered. They are just eating away. About 1000 more people outside, inside perhaps 20000?

2007: Going roaming around now. This is a super mega event. Can’t estimate the size of the crowd.

1959: Spotted five Bangladeshis as well. Maybe more around.

1957: Najib is expected to arrive at 8.00pm.

1956: Five wheelchairs and a golf buggy are on hand to assist senior citizens. About 10000 people here maximum. People have come to enjoy makan.

1954: Stall outside giving out free T-shirts. I got two. No entry without T-shirts! (That figures.)

1946: The crowd swells to 5000-plus. There are two sections: one for invited VIPs and one for the public. Surprised to see 99.99 per cent of them wearing 1Malaysia T-shirts. (No need to go hunting for a T-shirt if your name is pulled out of the lucky draw, I suppose! – Anil)

1932: It seems the whole thing is managed by an event management company.

1930: Looks like two to three thousand people here. Don’t know if everyone will be fed. Massive traffic jam. Heard there will be balloting for housing units at 7.30pm. Apartment models on display. (Using a government initiative in a BN campaign event? – Anil)

1928: A sea of blue T-shirts waiting to enter the FRU grounds in Air Itam.