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Saturday, August 29, 2015

Malaysia protests against Prime Minister Najib Razak

Thousands of Malaysians have taken to Kuala Lumpur's streets for a second day to call on Prime Minister Najib Razak to quit over a financial scandal. 
Supporters of pro-democracy group Bersih carry placards as they march in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur - 29 August 2015

The main accusation against the prime minister is that he took $700m from the indebted 1MDB state investment fund, which he established in 2009 to try to turn Kuala Lumpur into a financial hub.
Protesters march to demand resignation of Malaysia's prime minister Najib Razak
Cabinet ministers have said the money transfers were "political donations" from unidentified Middle Eastern sources, and that there was nothing improper
Protestors display placards during a demonstration demanding prime minister Najib Razak’s resignation

On Saturday August 29,2015, crowds were undeterred by a heavy presence of police, who had called the protests illegal.

Protesters are angered by a $700m (£455m) payment made to Mr Najib's bank account from unnamed foreign donors.

He has denied any wrongdoing, saying protesters were tarnishing Malaysia's image.

Police estimated 25,000 people participated in Saturday's demonstration, while Bersih - the pro-democracy group behind the rally - said 200,000 took part

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad made a surprise appearance late on Saturday, telling the cheering protesters to "carry on". He has backed calls for Mr Najib to quit.
Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad (C) shakes hands with supporters

The crowd thinned in the evening, but many slept out on the street in readiness for the second day.

The rally was scheduled to last until midnight on Sunday

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