Hundreds Gather in Malaysia Capital to Demand Prime Minister’s Resignation

Hundreds of protesters gathered Saturday in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, hours ahead of the afternoon protest against the beleaguered prime minister who faces corruption accusations, local media reported.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The rally kicked off at 2 p.m. local time (6:00 GMT) and is scheduled to continue until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, according to the Malaysia Today newspaper.

The government has deemed the demonstration unlawful and shut the capital’s city center, purportedly for rehearsals ahead of Malaysia’s Independence Day on August 31.

Malaysians protest and call for Prime Minister Najib Razak to step down. Photo by Merchantslane (on IG) pic.twitter.com/OHPRPif0zT

— Fresco News (@fresconews) 29 августа 2015

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak came under a barrage of criticism last month after The Wall Street Journal revealed he had allegedly siphoned off $700 million in funds from a cash-strapped state investment fund.

Protesters march at a rally organised by pro-democracy group "Bersih" (Clean) in Malaysia's capital city of Kuala Lumpur, August 29, 2015

© REUTERS / Olivia Harris