The rally was organised by a coalition of non-governmental organisations, including Oppressed People's Network, Parti Sosialis Malaysia, Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia, and Asalkan Bukan UMNO among others, and was supported by the opposition Pakatan Rakyat.
The rally, which coincided with International Workers' Day, was held in response to the Malaysian government's rollout of the goods and services tax from April 1, 2015.
[3] It was reported during the rally there were youth agitators who were found to be letting off smoke bombs, burning rubbish and spray-painting graffiti on signboards and metal hoardings.
[5][6] Opposition leaders Anthony Loke,[7] Rafizi Ramli,[8] Tian Chua[9] were arrested for their involvement in the rally.
Non-government organisation leaders such as Ambiga Sreenevasan and Hishamuddin Rais were also arrested.