Malaysians have been increasingly unhappy with the prime minister, who is accused of corruption. Reports transpired last month that he had siphoned off some $700 million from a state investment fund.
In a surprise appearance at the main rally in the capital, Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad encouraged the Bersih opposition movement to carry on and press for his successor’s resignation.
Mohamad is expected to join the demonstration at the central market at 5 p.m. later today, according to the Free Malaysia Today newspaper.
Razak's government called the rally illegal, banning the wearing of yellow t-shirts, the movement’s symbol, and closing Kuala Lumpur’s central Independence Square on Saturday in an attempt to deter the gatherings.
The protest is scheduled to continue until Sunday midnight to usher in Malaysia's Independence Day on Monday.
