KUALA LUMPUR – Thousands of opposition supporters on Saturday marched in the Malaysian capital to protest against alleged fraud during last month’s elections and to demand the resignation of top election officials.
Demonstrators shout slogans during a rally in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. (EPA Photo)
Thousands of opposition supporters on Saturday marched in the Malaysian capital to protest against alleged fraud during last month's parliamentary election and to demand the resignation of top election officials.
The protesters, mostly wearing black T-shirts, caused traffic jams as they converged on a park where they planned to stay for the day.
Malaysia's Barisan nasional (National Front) coalition, which has ruled since 1957, won 133 of the 222 seats contested in the May 5 election, though its popular vote was under 48%.
Johari Abdul, an opposition member of parliament and the rally coordinator, estimated the number of protesters at 30,000. A police officer put that number at between 6,000 and 8,000.
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim hailed the protesters for braving the moderate haze that engulfed Kuala Lumpur.
He called on top election officials to resign for failing to ensure a fair election.
"We will fight in and out of Parliament to ensure that the people get justice," he said.
The rally ended peacefully except for a minor scuffle between city hall officials and protesters who tried to set up tents.
Husam Musa, a senior leader of the predominantly Muslim opposition party PAS, was detained by police officers prior to the rally while being investigated over alleged seditious comments.
Dozens of protesters have set up at least 20 tents at the rally site and were planning to hold camp until the officials resign.