Malaysian protesters defy city lockdown - Radio Australia

Malaysian protesters defy city lockdown

PHOTO

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak walks into the parliament hall in Kuala Lumpur. [ABC]

Last Updated: 2 hours 43 minutes ago

Thousands of protesters have gathered in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur to demand electoral reforms, defying a city lockdown.

Groups of protesters gathered at various points around the city, intent on challenging an official ban on holding their rally at Independence Square in the heart of the capital.

But a heavy police presence hindered movement into the city centre.

About 2,000 armed police deployed around the sealed-off square as a police helicopter buzzed low overhead.

"(The police) shouldn't be here. We just want to march in peace and make our voices heard. We want a fair election," said Nour Yusoff, 29, a kindergarten teacher from eastern Terengganu state who came by bus to join the rally.

The mass rally follows one crushed by police last July, when 1,600 people were arrested, and marks a major test for Prime Minister Najib Razak, who has sought to burnish his reform credentials ahead of widely expected polls.

Besides the heavy security at the square, several roads around the city were blocked off, and public transport was suspended, forcing protesters to walk for miles. There were no immediate reports of any unrest.

Last July's rally brought tens of thousands to the streets but was met with police tear gas and water cannon.

being high handed in denying the people the changes we want. We demand free and fair elections," said Zainuddin Tahar, 54, a pensioner from central Malaysia, who wore a yellow shirt.

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