BERSIH 4.0 : Global Protesters

Scores of protesters turned out in full force in various major cities around the world for pro-reform rally Bersih 4.0 on Saturday (Aug 29). The rally is expected to be held in 74 cities across the globe.  

In years past, Bersih rallies have focused on calls for electoral reform, but this year, demonstrators are specifically calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Razak. Mr Najib has been plagued by allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement. These claims reached fever pitch when reports alleged he was being investigated for misappropriating millions of dollars of public funds via state investment firm 1MDB. Authorities have since said US$700 million deposited into Mr Najib's bank accounts were donations from the Middle East.

The rally is expected to be held in 74 cities across the globe, according to organisers. 

This is the fourth time the rally has been held in Kuala Lumpur. 

A check on Twitter also showed that rallies were held in Auckland, New Zealand, and Beijing, China. 

We take a look at rallies held in Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Melbourne and Sydney. 

KUALA LUMPUR

Independence Square was a sea of yellow as thousands kicked off the Bersih rally in Malaysia's capital city. With each rally, protesters say they are more emboldened. Many are taking part for the fourth time. 

"Bersih" (Clean) supporters gather along Jalan Tun Perak in Kuala Lumpur on August 29, 2015. (Photo: REUTERS/Edgar Su)

Supporters of pro-democracy group "Bersih" (Clean) gather at Central Market in Malaysia's capital city of Kuala Lumpur. (Photo: REUTERS/Edgar Su) 

Supporters chant at the fourth Bersih rally held in Kuala Lumpur. (Photo: Michelle Liew) 

"Bersih" supporters turn out in full force to push for PM Najib Razak's resignation. (Photo: Michelle Liew) 

Maghreb prayers at the rally. (Photo: Melissa Goh)  

 Different groups at the rally, including anti-Lynas group Himpunan Hijau (Photo: Sumisha Naidu)

Many protesters said this is their fourth time taking party in the rally. (Photo: Melissa Goh)  

 

 A sea of yellow as protesters gather in Kuala Lumpur. (Photo: Melissa Goh) 

A furry friend joins in at Bersih 4.0 in Kuala Lumpur. (Photo: Melissa Goh)  

HONG KONG

Hundreds turned up on Saturday opposite the Malaysian consulate to push for "clean" politics in Malaysia. Chants of "Bersih!" rang out along Gloucestor Road in the Wan Chai area as protesters joined in the pro-reform movement.  

 Hundreds lined the street opposite the Malaysian consulate for Bersih 4.0. (Photo: Sabrina Chan)

Protesters take part in Bersih 4.0 in Hong Kong, opposite the Malaysian consulate. (Photo: Sabrina Chan) 

Bersih 4.0 participants in Hong Kong chanted "Bersih!" and sang the Malaysian national anthem. (Photo: Sabrina Chan)  

Bersih 4.0 Hong Kong's youngest "protester". (Photo: Sabrina Chan) 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

People from all walks of life gathered outside Federation Square on Saturday for Bersih 4.0 in Melbourne. (Photo: Ai Ling Tan) 

Thousands turned up outside Melbourne's Federation Square on Saturday afternoon in spite of freezing winds and lashing rain for Bersih 4.0. Organisers said more than 5,000 took part in this year's rally. 

 Thousands braved the cold to attend Bersih 4 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo: Stephen Yau

Organisers said more than 5,000 turned up on Saturday afternoon to take part in this year's rally. (Photo: Stephen Yau)  

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Hundreds attended Bersih 4.0 in Sydney on Saturday, held just outside Town Hall station. 

 Protesters hold up signs supporting the Bersih movement in Sydney, Australia.

Hundreds turned up in Sydney's city centre to take part in Bersih 4.0. 

This news was copied from channelnewasia.com.