Malaysians plan rally against prime minister

Tens of thousands of people are set to stage an anti-government rally in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lampur, over the weekend to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Razak over a financial scandal.

The protest rally, which is scheduled for Saturday, is expected to gather some 60,000 pro-democracy activists — by police estimates — in Kuala Lumpur from among Najib’s critics.

The Malaysian premier is under criticism over a graft scandal that involves 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a state fund set up by him.

The pro-democracy group of Bersih, which means “clean” in Malaysian, is to organize the rally despite a police ban and fears of clashes with pro-government groups.

“We are taking to the street because there is something rotten in the state of Malaysia. Poor governance and a lack of accountability have resulted in grand corruption in 1MDB,” said Bersih chairwoman Maria Chin.

“People have a right to peaceful assembly… We are protesting because keeping silent on corruption and abuse of power is not an option,” she added.

Police have warned they would arrest the participants in the Saturday rally.

Najib has dismissed calls to step down.

EA