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Thousands of 'Yellow Shirt' Malaysians Demand Prime Minister Resign

by VOA News

   WASHINGTON --

   Thousands of anti-government protesters marched in Malaysia's capital
   Saturday demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Razak over
   his alleged involvement in a multibillion-dollar misappropriation
   scandal.

   Najib has been facing criticism and protests after allegations of
   corruption surfaced. He has denied wrongdoing.

   The so-called "Yellow Shirt" protesters of the pro-democracy group
   Bersih were marching and chanting in downtown Kuala Lumpur holding
   banners reading "Malaysian Democracy in Memory" and "Enough of
   Kleptocracy" among others, and many were banging drums and blowing
   vuvuzelas.

   A heavy presence of riot police and water cannons were on the streets
   as the main roads leading to the Merdeka Square in the city center were
   closed off, blocking protesters from gathering there as planned.

   The head of Bersih, the organizers of Saturday's rally, was arrested
   Friday along with several other supporters of the demonstration,
   including opposition leaders and student activists.

   The demonstration is unlikely to lead to Najib's resignation. He has so
   far weathered the crisis, consolidating power by cracking down on
   dissenters and curbing media groups and activists.