Malaysian police, protesters clash raising poll doubts
Riot police reacted after some protesters among the crowd of at least 25,000 tried to break through barriers, in defiance of a court order banning them from entering the city's historic Merdeka (Independence) Square. They fired dozens of tear gas rounds and chased protesters through nearby streets.
Protesters also battled with police at a train station nearby, throwing bottles and chairs at officers who responded by firing tear gas rounds. A police car was overturned by angry protesters after it hit demonstrators. Most of the protesters had dispersed by early evening but sporadic clashes with police continued.
"They (the police) asked the crowd to disperse but did not give enough warning," said Aminah Bakri, 27, with tears streaming down her face from the gas.
"They do not care."
Malaysian police fire tear gas, clash with protesters
Human Rights Watch was quick to condemn the police action.
"By launching a crackdown on peaceful ... protesters on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian government is once again showing its contempt for its people's basic rights and freedoms," said Phil Robertson, the group's deputy Asia director.
Younger Malaysians have become more politically active in recent years, chafing at restrictions on student activism.
"The younger generation, especially my generation, want to be involved. Look at Lynas and Bersih. We cannot be quiet," said 19-year-old university student Chan Mei Fong.
Police gun snatched by protesters
Police tweet: A police gun has been snatched by protestors. Public urged to be cautious
Opposition not concerned about free and fair elections: Najib
The Opposition should not fool the people with claims that elections in the country are not clean or fair, says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
When the Opposition won five states in the last general election as well as the Sibu by-election, they did not question the Election Commission (EC), the Prime Minister said.
"But now, all of a sudden the EC has been condemned as though elections in Malaysia are dirty and unfair. I say, if they are not clean or fair, show us the proof.
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