KUALA LUMPUR: Thousands of protesters gathered in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday for a rally to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Razak, bringing to the streets a political crisis over a multi-million-dollar payment made to an account under his name.
The Malaysian leader has weathered weeks of attacks since it was reported that investigators probing the management of debt-laden state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) had discovered the unexplained transfer of more than $600 million.
Protesters hope to spark a people’s power movement forcing Najib out, but political analysts doubt he will be toppled.
Protesters in yellow Bersih T-shirts and headbands converged at five different locations and were marching to areas surrounding the landmark Independence Square, where celebrations to mark Malaysia’s 58th National Day will be held Monday.
Security was tight as the rally got under way and access to a square where the protesters plan to converge was blocked.
