Dancer Bilqis Hijjas who dropped yellow balloons at an event at Pavilion Mall Attended by PM Najib Razak might face intentional insult charges

Dancer who dropped yellow balloons at Najib event might face intentional insult charges


BY MUZLIZA MUSTAFA

Published: 31 August 2015 11:38 PM | Updated: 1 September 2015 7:38 AM

Dancer Bilqis Hijjas was at the Bersih 4 rally over the weekend. She allegedly dropped Bersih 4 balloons at an event where the prime minister was the VIP guest. – Facebook pic, August 31, 2015.



Bilqis Hijjas, the daughter of prominent architect Hijjas Kasturi, might face charges under Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentional insult after allegedly dropping Bersih 4 balloons at an upscale shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur today.



The 35-year-old dancer/performer was nabbed by the mall's auxiliary police after she allegedly dropped the yellow balloons which had the words "democracy", "free media" and "justice" printed on them from Level 5 of the mall.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, were attending the DiverseCity International Arts festival opening ceremony on the ground floor.


Sources said that the balloons floated down behind the big screen television set.



Bilqis was later handed over to the Dang Wangi police for further action.

Police have yet to comment on the incident despite attempts by The Malaysia Insider to get feedback on the matter.

It was, however, learnt that police have started investigations under Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentional insult.

Bilqis was released tonight after police recorded her statement. – August 31, 2015.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/dancer-who-dropped-yellow-balloons-at-najib-event-might-face-intentional-in#sthash.nRvm5rnY.dpuf

A woman was detained for dropping yellow balloons from the upper floors of the Pavilion mall in Kuala Lumpur during an event attended by Prime Minister Najib

Woman detained at event launch with Najib present

BY M. KUMAR

PETALING JAYA: A woman was detained for allegedly dropping yellow balloons from the upper floors of the Pavilion mall in Kuala Lumpur during an event attended by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

The woman was apprehended by auxiliary policemen and handed over to Dang Wangi police.

Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Zainol Samah confirmed the incident, saying that police were still investigating the motive behind the woman's action.

"It is too early to reveal anything. We are investigating," he said when contacted on Monday.

News reports claimed that the woman had dropped yellow balloons while Najib was on the ground floor at the shopping mall during the launch of the DiverseCity 2015 Kuala Lumpur International Arts Festival.

There was a small commotion as many people started pointing to the air, but Najib and his wife did not react.

The colour yellow was the theme of the recent Bersih 4 rally last weekend

Former Trade Minister Rafidah Aziz Saddened, Worried About the future

Rafidah says saddened, worried about the future


Published: 31 August 2015 3:34 PM | Updated: 31 August 2015 7:02 PM

Part of the National Day parade in Kuala Lumpur today. Former minister Rafidah Aziz says her Merdeka celebrations have been affected by recent events in the country. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 31, 2015.



Former international trade and industry minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz said she felt a “deep sadness” as she celebrated Merdeka Day today because of all that had happened in the country, including the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) financial scandal.







Rafidah (pic, right) said on her Facebook account late last night that the many things which had taken place had "cast a dark shadow over what should have been a joyous Merdeka celebration".



"First, the 1MDB fiasco hangs like a Damocles sword over the country. What has happened to the investigations?


"It appears things have stalled... That is not good for the country as there must be serious efforts to get to the bottom of it all," the former Wanita Umno chief said in her posting.



Rafidah also mentioned the RM2.6 billion donation deposited into Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s personal accounts shortly before the general election two years ago.

"Then there is the RM2.6 billion extremely generous ‘donation' from some foreigner... which begs the questions 'why', and 'who benefitted’.

"It certainly is a clear example of how money politics have reached a new high!” she said, adding that the issue had become a sore point among the people.

Rafidah also criticised the explanations given so far as "so incredulous” and "have given rise to more questions”.

The governance of the country was the last on her list, as she said that too much focus had been diverted to other things.

"It is well and good to allude to global economic problems and the economic contagion... but too much focus has been diverted to other things... and not to economic governance.

"The private sector's confidence in Malaysia will be eroded if businesses cannot find support and cooperation from the government.”

Rafidah said there must be continuous interaction with all levels of business so that the private sector could continue to give input to the country's economic growth.

"There must be serious effort to reduce dissatisfaction across the board.

"It will be so sad if as we enter the 59th year of the independence of Malaysia, we have to carry the burdensome excess baggage of 2015. Merdeka Malaysia!”

Malaysia and the world had for the last two days seen thousands gather in the Bersih 4 rally to protest against the Najib administration over issues affecting the nation, as well as his leadership, which is also questioned by some of his party members.

Even Dr Mahathir, his one-time supporter, is calling for Najib to resign. – August 31, 2015.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/rafidah-says-saddened-worried-about-the-future#sthash.xsLMXpgh.dpuf

Tentera Laut Indonesia tangkap suspek utama lanun rampas MT Orkim Harmony

Published: 31 August 2015 8:24 PM | Updated: 1 September 2015 4:24 AM

Tentera Laut Indonesia menangkap seorang lelaki yang dipercayai menjadi dalang merampas kapal tangki Malaysia, MT Orkim Harmony. – Gambar fail TLDM, 31 Ogos, 2015.



Tentera Laut Indonesia menangkap seorang lelaki yang dipercayai menjadi dalang merampas kapal tangki Malaysia, MT Orkim Harmony, lapor sebuah akhbar bahasa Inggeris tempatan.



Akhbar The Jakarta Post yang memetik seorang jurucakap tentera laut Kol M Zainudin berkata pasukan IV Tindak Balas Cepat Armada Barat (WFQR) menahan seorang suspek warga Indonesia yang dikenali sebagai Albert Yohanes di sebuah apartmen di Grogol Petamburan, Jakarta Barat pada Khamis lepas.

"Albert Yohanes dipercayai menjadi dalang utama di sebalik drama rampasan kapal tangki Malaysia. Kejayaan pasukan itu adalah hasil usaha bersungguh-sungguh memburu seorang daripada yang menjadi sasaran utama dalam senarai orang dikehendaki dalam tempoh sebulan setengah," kata Zainudin seperti yang dilaporkan semalam.


Suspek itu kini ditahan Polis Tentera Laut (Pomal) di Kelapa Gading, Jakarta Utara untuk disoal siasat sebelum diserahkan kepada polis untuk siasatan lanjut.



Bagaimanapun beliau tidak dapat mengesahkan sama ada suspek akan didakwa di negara ini atau diekstradisi ke Malaysia.

Kapal MT Orkim Harmony dirampas pada 11 Jun ketika berada 30 batu nautika dari Tanjung Sedili di Johor ketika membawa 6,000 tan metrik muatan petroleum RON95.

Kapal tangki tersebut dikesan berada di Teluk Siam oleh sebuah kapal peninjau Tentera Udara Diraja Australia yang berpangkalan di Butterworth pada 17 Jun lalu.

Semua 8 lanun terbabit ditangkap Pasukan Pengawal Pantai Vietnam berhampiran Phu Quoc selepas melarikan diri dari kapal terbabit pada 19 Jun.

Petroleum dalam kapal terbabit dimiliki Petronas dan ia dikendalikan Orkim Ship Management. Semasa kejadian kapal itu membawa 22 kru termasuk 16 rakyat Malaysia, Indonesia (5) dan Myanmar (seorang). – Bernama, 31 Ogos, 2015.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/bahasa/article/tentera-laut-indonesia-tangkap-suspek-utama-lanun-rampas-mt-orkim-harmony#sthash.FvmYsyD9.dpuf

Rally a success, now to lobby MPs to vote against Najib, says Bersih

Rally a success, now to lobby MPs to vote against Najib, says Bersih


BY JENNIFER GOMEZ

Published: 31 August 2015 3:44 PM | Updated: 31 August 2015 7:30 PM

Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah (centre, sitting) with other committee members. She hopes that when Parliament convenes in October, MPs will be able to pass a vote of no-confidence against the prime minister. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 31, 2015.



Half a million people attended the overnight Bersih 4 street rally in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend, the event organiser said, adding that their next target is to push for the general election to be held within the next 12 to 18 months.



Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah said when Parliament convenes in October, the hope is that there would be enough MPs to pass a vote of no-confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

"So, we have to work hard to lobby MPs to do that.”


Maria also said that she does not fear being arrested by police, adding that she was “waiting for them”.



"When we organised this rally, we were prepared for anything, but have not heard from them (police).

"And we have our team of lawyers ready," she told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Maria also said that donations to Bersih 4 had hit RM2.45 million.

"We have repeatedly asked the people during the peaceful assembly to speak directly with their MPs to move a vote of no-confidence against the prime minister, and this must go on. That’s a promise from Bersih 2," Maria said.

She added that in the event Najib resigns, the electoral watchdog proposed that a transitional government be set up to bring about core institutional reforms, such as clean up the electoral roll, look into the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and to call for fresh elections within 12 to 18 months.

"This is so that we will be able to fix the system and not just fix the prime minister because fixing the prime minister alone does not bring the change that we want."

When asked about Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's presence at Bersih 4, Maria said she hoped that he had “learnt his lesson” given that the former prime minister had been vehemently against street protests in the past.

"It's positive, I know he does not support our demands all the way.

"But people power has always been with us, it was not coined by Tun Mahathir nor (Tun Dr) Siti Hasmah (Mohd Ali).”

She also thanked the churches, temples and imams who led the daily prayers among the rally goers.

Maria also thanked the police for doing their “minimum”, adding that they could have done more by managing traffic and crowd control.

She said, however, their own security team managed to handle these matters to ensure a peaceful rally.

"Our heartiest thanks to city dwellers, traders, restaurants and shops who gave free food, water and use of their restrooms and generously donated for the cause."

Maria said 4,000 participated in the rally in Sabah while 5,000 turned up in Sarawak. – August 31, 2015.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/rally-a-success-now-to-lobby-mps-to-vote-against-najib-says-bersih#sthash.1jdApK9N.dpuf

Cop not a suspect but was helping to arrest Bersih troublemaker, says KL CID chief

Cop not suspect, helping to arrest Bersih troublemaker, says KL CID chief


BY MUZLIZA MUSTAFA AND JENNIFER GOMEZ

Published: 31 August 2015 9:03 PM | Updated: 1 September 2015 5:03 AM

Bersih 2.0 vice-chairman Thomas Fann says today one of the suspects apprehended over the throwing of firecrackers at Bersih 4 rally goers was a police officer. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 31, 2015.



Police have denied claims by Bersih 4 rally organiser that a policeman was one of the suspects detained for allegedly throwing firecrackers at rally participants last night.



Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department chief Datuk Zainuddin Ahmad said the police office op was not a suspect as assumed but had helped with the arrests of those said to have set off the firecrackers.

“He is not a suspect. He helped with the arrest,” said Zainuddin when contacted by The Malaysian Insider.


Bersih 2.0 vice-chairman Thomas Fann in a press conference earlier alleged that one of the suspects apprehended in the incident carried a police identity card.



He said that when the organiser’s security team took the two suspects to the Dang Wangi police station, they were told not to include the man’s particulars in the report.

"We take a serious view of the incident, the explosions could have led to a stampede," he said today, explaining cases handled by the Bersih 2.0 security team during the 34-hour rally.

Fann said other cases handled by its security team, made up of 1,700 volunteers, included the alleged poisoning of drinks that had been described as an act of sabotage.

He said 12 cartons of the drinks were taken away and a police report lodged on the matter.

He said there was also a suspected case of arson, where an overnight participant, who had parked his Kia Forte in front of Bank Negara, found the engine compartment burnt when he returned the next day.

There was also a molest case, where the suspect was apprehended by the security team and handed over to the police.

The Bersih 4 rally ended last night as hundreds of thousands of people thronged Kuala Lumpur to demand for institutional reforms and clean and fair elections. – August 31, 2015.- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/cop-not-suspect-helping-to-arrest-bersih-troublemaker-says-kl-cid-chief#sthash.zzaNib0c.dpuf

"When held horizontally in a parade, a flag must move as if it is 'flying' on a flagpole"

Protocol requires 'inverted' flag during parades

BY M. KUMAR
THE STAR

The Jalur Gemilang as displayed during the National Day parade Monday. - Bernama

 

PETALING JAYA: Social media users learned something new Sunday about the Malaysian flag and the proper protocol required when displaying it during parades.

Pictures of the Malaysian flag being "inverted" during the National Day parade Monday surfaced on Facebook, drawing many ill-informed comments.

The picture was making its rounds on Facebook, with users mocking the patriotism of the parade.

However, user Michael Cheang explained the proper protocol involved when parading a national flag.

"No, it is not a mistake, and no one got it wrong.

"When held horizontally in a parade, a flag must move as if it is 'flying' on a flagpole, so in the case of a parade, it is as though it is 'flying' down the street," he said.

"Since it must face the grandstand it is passing, and also cannot be upside down (that's a sign of distress), this is the only way to hold it in a parade," said Cheang.

"It's the same for flags displayed on the side of airplanes."

Another user linked a Communications and Multimedia Ministry's webpage with the guidelines.

"To those who question why our flag was "terbalik" during the Merdeka parade and tried to politicise it, there are guidelines and protocols. Here. Read this," he said, and provided a link to the guidelines.

Those interested can check out the guidelines on parading our Jalur Gemilang at the website here.

Petrol and diesel prices will drop by 10 sen and 15 sen per litre in September.

Fuel prices down for September

BY L. SUGANYA

THE STAR

PETALING JAYA: Petrol and diesel prices will drop by 10 sen and 15 sen per litre in September.

Petron Petrol Dealers Association president Datuk Alang Zari Ishak confirmed on Monday that the prices of both RON95 and RON97 petrol have been set at RM1.95 and RM2.35 per litre, down 10 sen from its prices in August.

The price of diesel price will be RM1.80 per litre, down 15 sen from RM1.95 previously.

"The information that we received was that the prices are going down," he said.

The Ministry decided to set the prices of petrol and diesel on a managed float from Dec 1 last year.

Two childhood friends ‎were found dead in a car parked for more than 15 hours in front of a restaurant

Two childhood friends found dead in car in front of restaurant

BY ALLISON LAI ‎

THE STAR

The Proton Saga Aeroback where two childhood friends were found dead inside after it was parked in front of a restaurant for more than 15 hours in Shah Alam Sunday.

 

SHAH ALAM: Two childhood friends ‎were found dead in a car parked for more than 15 hours in front of a restaurant in Section 19 here Sunday night.

‎K. Mathiannan and Y. R. Changkaraanathrao, both 25 were found motionless by police in a Proton Saga Aeroback.‎

According to eyewitness the car was parked there since about 7am on Sunday, said Shah Alam OCPD Asst Comm Shafien Mamat

''One of the victim's father ‎actually passed by the restaurant at about 3pm later and saw his son was sleeping inside with his childhood friend.

''He did not think anything was amiss until his son did not come home that night,'' he said when met after attending a community-policing programme at the Denai Alam Recreational Club here Monday.

ACP Shafien said that the car was found in parked gear with its ignition on.

''We received a distress call at about 10.30pm and a team of officers were sent to the scene.

''We believe the engine died after the car ran out of petrol.

''Initial investigations showed that there was no foul play involved,'' he said, adding that the two men, who were employed, did not have any past criminal record.

The remains have been sent to the Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah for post mortem to determine the cause of death.

Police call upon those with information about this case to contact the nearest police station.

The posts of the daughter of Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi slamming Bersih 4 supporters has gone viral

Zahid's daughter: Bersih 4 demo 'stupid', better for supporters to join the army

BY RAHMAH GHAZALI

A screengrab of Nurulhidayah's Facebook post.

 

PETALING JAYA: The daughter of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has slammed Bersih 4 supporters for taking it to the streets in the name of defending the country. 

In a series of rants on Facebook Monday, Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid described the protest as a kerja bodoh (stupid work), and that it was better for supporters to join the army. 

"If you really want to defend the country, go and join the army, and patrol the borders.  

"Go and join Ops Pasir (military patrol in east coast waters of Sabah), you can experience all kinds of operations. 

"Don't think that just because you're wearing yellow and that you got to be on papers and TV, you can be proud. 

"You think you are so brave opposing like that? I have a similar experience in 1998, I was so stupid back then because I just wanted to go to the streets and have fun. 

"At that time, I called for (former prime minister) Tun Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) to step down. I believe many were like me before," she said. 

Nurulhidayah was referring to the “reformasi” era in 1998, when former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was sacked from the cabinet. 

Her father, seen an ally of Anwar at that time, was also arrested and held in prison under the Internal Security Act after speaking out against Dr Mahathir.  

Nurulhidayah said street protests were not relevant today, "as the world watches us descent into chaos." 

"I will not say much about this. My opinion - it is a FOOLISH WORK, or in simpler term, STUPID WORK," she said. 

Her Facebook posts have since gone viral on social media.

Google pulls out another iconic doodle for Malaysia Merdeka Day

Google pulls out another iconic doodle for Merdeka Day


Published: 31 August 2015 10:01 AM | Updated: 31 August 2015 10:19 AM

A screenshot of the Google doodle commemorating Malaysia's 58th Merdeka Day today. – August 31, 2015.



As the whole nation comes together to celebrate Malaysia's 58th Merdeka Day today, Google pays tribute by commemorating the occasion with what is considered the national drink, "teh tarik".



The internet giant uses the icon of two metal mugs, as is used at the ubiquitous mamak restaurants in preparing the popular drink for all times of the day, to represent the letters "o" in the name Google.

The other letters in the popular search engine's name is wrapped in the image of the national flag and colours.
The tribute is the latest of what is popularly known as a Google Doodle, which is a modified version of the Google logo on its search homepage, reminding surfers of important dates. It is often customised for its country specific homepages.



Last year, Google also celebrated Merdeka with a doodle featuring a combination of decorated petals of the hibiscus, Malaysia's national flower, which beautifully formed the word Google. – August 31, 2015.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/google-pulls-out-another-iconic-doodle-for-merdeka#sthash.LoFC76wc.dpuf

Police have denied that Bersih 2.0 chief and activist Maria Chin Abdullah was arrested after the Bersih 4 rally ended.

Police deny arresting Maria Chin

BY NADIRAH H. RODZI

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have denied that Bersih 2.0 chief and activist Maria Chin Abdullah (pix) was arrested after the Bersih 4 rally ended.

A news portal claimed that the Bersih leader was held at about 12.40am on Monday to facilitate investigations.

City police chief Comm Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa described the report as irresponsible and baseless.

"We did not arrest Maria. I don't know where they got their details from," he said.

Comm Tajuddin urged the public not to circulate unverified reports to avoid provocation.

"Please do not spread lies. We don't want any untoward incident to happen. Be responsible in what you share on the Internet," he added.

Bersih 4: Man throws firecracker at protestors, injures four

BY D. KANYAKUMARI AND T. AVINESHWARAN

the star

The man suspected of throwing a firecracker at protestors was handed over to the police.

 

KUALA LUMPUR: A scuffle ensued at the Dataran Merdeka area after an individual apparently threw firecrackers at Bersih 4 protesters here, injuring four.

A protester who witnessed the incident said that the man, dressed in a black T-shirt and yellow headband, threw it at some protesters resting at a car park.

He said the man tried to throw another but was foiled by other protesters.

"He was identified and immediately cornered by protesters," he said.

He added that the police arrived to calm the situation, and the man was given some medical attention.

"The medical team treated him and he was arrested and brought away," he said.

The four injured protesters were also given immediate medical attention.

A medical officer, Yap, said the injuries were not so severe.

"There were some bad burns but nothing more," she said.

However, after the Negaraku was sung, another explosion was heard, but things remained under control.

The crowd dispersed as the organisers urged to go back home after the rally ended

Bersih 4 Rally: Day 2 Happenings from 6pm till 12AM

Scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu starting at 2pm on 29 August 2015, the Bersih 4.0 rally has been the focal point of much controversy, legal debate and political drama. The rally organizers intend to continue the event until Sunday midnight, 30 August 2015.

Various rallies were also held worldwide on August 29 spanning different time zones around the world. Following are images of the global rallies compiled from global media reports as well as the @GlobalBersihTwitter post of rallies taking place in Sydney, Australia, Ontario, Canada, Suzhou, China and Taipei, Taiwan. Other places reported to have held the rally include far flung corners of the world like Ulaanbatur in Mongolia, and Christchurch, New Zealand.

Pic: @GlobalBersih

SUNDAY (AUGUST 30, 2015)

12:00AM The crowd sings Negaraku to conclude the rally. The 34 hours BERSIH 4.0 officially comes to an end with the Chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah leading the countdown to Merdeka.

11:24PM BERSIH chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah has approached the police to negotiate for extending the rally hours from 12 midnight to 1am to allow for cleaning and inspection of the rally venue.

11:12PM DAP adviser LIm Kit Siang asserts that over 300,000 have turned out to support BERSIH 4.0.  He declared those present tonight as coming to welcome 'Merdeka'. In his speech, Kit Siang expressed his gratitude to Tun M for showing his support for the rally.

11:00PM One more hour left to go as PKR President Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail takes to the stage to address the crowd.

10:00PM While bands continue to entertain and renditions of 'Sejahtera Malaysia' and 'Standing In The Eye Of The World' can be heard from the makeshift stage, some rally participants seem overcome by boredom and are waiting on the sidelines for the countdown to conclude.

9:40PM The crowd at the rally remains in high spirits. Music entertainment returns to liven the atmosphere further. According to official observers of the Bersih rally present, there is an estimated 20,000 strong turnout at the moment with the numbers likely to increase further as the night progresses. Besides the police, these impartial observers are also doing their part to ensure people's rights are observed and the law observed.

9:00PM With 3 hours left before midnight, the atmosphere at the rally has turned lively with chants and shouting of slogans. Thousands of protesters have turned on their lights in unison while shouting 'Bersih'.

 

8:50PM Rafizi Ramli then takes the stage to deliver his speech that is widely expected to be provocative. He claims he will disclose new information about a new warship deal  being planned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak

8:40PM One of the participant, Hasmah, 56 claims that she joins the rally to show her discontent towards the government. She went on to share her worries that the younger generation were unhappy with the PM's wife and the need for the government to regain the people's trust.

Meanwhile the chairman of Gerakan Harapan Baru (GHB) Mohamad Sabu has arrived at the rally location.

8:30PM While waiting for the Opposition leaders to show up for tonight's highlight at 9pm, participants are still blowing the vuvuzela, while others are taking shelter due to rain.

8:05PM A kuliah Maghrib is being delivered by an ustaz in front of the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad.

8:00PM Thousands of protesters have regrouped and returned to reoccupy the areas around Masjid Jamek and outside Dataran Merdeka,  PAS vice-president Datuk Husam Musa has also been sighted among the crowd.

7:30PM An Indian man  believed to be a civilian in an intoxicated state caused a stir but the police manage to deter any untoward incident and the situation is now under control.

6:50PM Dang Wangi Police Chief ASP Zainol Samah has announced that the rumour that the Merdeka Eve concert scheduled to be held at Dataran Merdeka has ben rescheduled to another location is untrue because the concert had from the beginning been planned for the Bukit Jalil Stadium. He also estimates that there are about 15,000 rally participants present at the moment.

6:15PM In the final lap of 6 remaining hours of the Bersih 4.0 rally, Rafizi Ramli gives a rousing speech, declaring that no one can deter the protesters' right to see the rally to its penultimate ending tonight.

6:00PM We can see policemen are in control of situation around Dataran Merdeka by manning blockades. Participants are milling around the viciniity of Dataran Merdeka. According to the police on duty at the location, they do not foresee any escalation in security for the moment until 8pm tonight.

5:40PM Until now, the situation is still under control. Participants are entertained with acrobatic acts by representatives of Bersih.

5:25PM About an hour ago, Tun M had made a visit to the rally site at Central Market. According to information shared at the #Bersih4 Twitter post, Tun M took the KTM public transport to get to the venue.

He spoke to the crowd present, explaining that he had to address the protesters directly as other sources of getting his views across have been controlled by the ruling authorities. He spoke critically about his successor PM Najib, again declaring that he no longer supports him and reaffirming his disapproval of the much disputed RM2.6 billion donation used as election funding in GE13. His speech was punctuated by shouts of 'Bersih' and 'Reformasi'.

Pic: #Bersih4

5:08PM Media are now preparing because former PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is expected to make another visit to the rally again. In the meantime, the situation is still under control where participants are still lingering around the Dataran Merdeka area.


Malaysian Digest