Thousands of yellow-shirted supporters of Malaysia's Bersih movement for free and fair elections defied a police ban to gather around the theme "Janji Demokrasi" (Promised Democracy) on the eve of the 55th anniversary of the country's independence from British colonial rule. Malaysian Socialist Party (PSM) activist Choo Chon Kai, who took these photos, told Green Left Weekly:
"Despite Janji Demokrasi being declared 'illegal', more than 10,000 people gathered at Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) for the Merdeka (Independence Day) eve countdown to remind the government about its unfulfilled promises for electoral reform. The turnout was much bigger than unexpected by the organisers, Ganbungan Janji (Promise Coalition) and it showed that the momentum of the Bersih movement is still very strong.
"It is another slap to Najib administration."
Sign reads: "This area is closed to all activities".
"Thank you to the people" says slogan on yellow t-shirt (right).
PSM MP Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj.
