Malaysia To Block Sites Promoting Anti-government Rally

Malaysia says it will block websites spreading information about a major anti-government protest this weekend. Authorities said sites which “promote, disseminate information and encourage people to participate” in the demonstration will be blocked. Protest organisers are calling for Prime Minister Najib Razak to step down over allegations of corruption.

Mr Najib is accused of siphoning $700m (£452m) from a sovereign wealth fund, a claim he has denied. He has said the money received in his personal account was a political donation from a foreign donor. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said on Thursday that the protest would “threaten” public order and social harmony.

The Bersih 4.0 protest is due to be held across three cities in Malaysia over the weekend, including Kuala Lumpur. Thousands are expected to rally in the capital alone. But authorities have said the protest is illegal, setting the stage for a possible showdown with security forces. Previous anti-government Bersih rallies saw large turnouts and clashes with the police.

BBC.