The Malaysian police arrested nearly 1400 protesters in a violent clash as the protesters failed to abide by the government warnings not to rally in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, for the elections. The police subdued the protest firing teargas and water cannon.
Even after the police immense struggle to stop the procession about 50,000 citizens walked the streets of Kuala Lumpur. Among the arrested protesters were leaders from the opposition parties wanting a change in the long reining government. It was almost like a Tom and Jerry show with the protestors retreating after baton charges and regrouping to abate the police forces.
Some protesters took the fight to the police by tossing the teargas canisters. Anwar Ibrahim, Leader of the opposition, was taken to the hospital to treat his injuries during the protest. The objective of the protest is to reach the King’s palace and hand over a draft of their demands. The police thwarted this effort.
Mohamad Manji Abdullah expressed his frustration stating that they were only trying to reform elections to have a free and fair government. Ismail Omar, chief of Police, informed that 1401 protesters were detained and are being investigated for illegal procession and many are expected to be released on bail.
Among the arrested leaders were leader Ambiga Sreenivasan and Maria Chin Abdullah, but were later absolved of all charges. Chew Ai Nee, a student, expressed his opinion to have freedom of speech to demand a change in government to prevent anarchy.
The busy capital, Kuala Lumpur was deserted as major roadways were blocked off. The protest also saw several Malaysians in South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, Cambodia, Japan, U.S. and Taiwan involved in protests walking the streets to show their support.
The demonstrators wanted uncorrupted Elections and government ruling. This also included abolishing vote-buying, illegal voting and more. The elections are expected to start early next year with the opposition party aiming to bring about a change in the Barisan ruling.
