[1] Since the last general elections, the Malaysian government began to backtrack on many of their election promises by raising the prices and cost of living over a broad scope of items: There have been many postings on Facebook by Malaysians venting their frustrations on the rising cost of living and the government's indifference to their plight, including Prime Minister Najib's Facebook page.
[15][16] Malaysian human rights group SUARAM has promised to provide legal aid to protesters who have been arrested in the rally by the police.
[22][23] As a precaution to the protests to be held in Dataran Merdeka, 300 personnel from City Hall are to be deployed for that night,[24] including step-up patrols by the police.
[26] Thousands of protesters gathered at various parts of Kuala Lumpur to begin their march to Dataran Merdeka such as Sogo Shopping Complex, Pasar Seni and Masjid Jamek.
[27][28] Protesters, numbering 50,000 according to Turun broke through the police cordons surrounding Dataran Merdeka where a new year concert was being held.