PROTEST MOUNTS OVER MALAYSIAN PM'S 92 YEAR’S OLD PREMIER LEADER MAHATHIR MOHAMAD LED THE PROTEST

Malaysia's opposition coalition prime ministerial candidate Mahathir Mohamad speaks against a controversial proposal to redraw electoral boundaries outside near the Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia March 28, 2018. The sign (front R) reads: "Go out and vote, defeat the thief".

Hundreds of Malaysians protested on Wednesday against Prime Minister Najib Razak’s plan to push through a controversial proposal to redraw electoral boundaries just months ahead of a general election that must be held by August.

The opposition and critics say Najib is trying to bulldoze through parliament changes to electoral boundaries they say would benefit his ruling coalition, facing arguably its toughest polls since independence nearly 61 years ago.

The government says the plan was drawn up by the Election Commision (EC), and not the government, and is free from political interference.

Opponents of the redrawing process say it shoves opposition-inclined voters into opposition-held seats to create super-constituencies and also reshapes constituencies to have more distinct ethnic majorities.

Protesters, rallying under the banner of pro-democracy group Bersih, gathered at a national monument close to the parliament wearing yellow t-shirts - Bersih’s signature color - and carrying banners and placards. Opposition leaders also joined the protests.

Security was heightened at parliament’s main gate, which was blocked by riot police, some armed with teargas guns.

Bersih aims to hand over a memorandum to parliament’s speaker, outlining their reasons why he should scrap the government’s motion seeking approval for its redelineation exercise.

“We totally do not agree with the (EC) report. This is the biggest cheating to ever happen,” said Maria Chin Abdullah, the former chairwoman of Bersih. “They want to bulldoze the report that contradicts the constitution, ignores the rule of law and manipulates the electoral rolls,” she said.

LOOMING ELECTION

Prime Minister Najib is expected to table the redelineation motion at 0330 GMT. It is widely expected to be passed today.

This is the final session of parliament before the legislative body is dissolved for elections.

A supporter of pro-democracy group Bersih protests against a controversial proposal to redraw electoral boundaries outside near the Parliament House

Electoral boundaries were last changed in 2003, under the leadership of then-premier Mahathir Mohamad. He, too, was accused of manipulating the process in favor of the ruling coalition, which has held power since independence from Britain in 1957.

Mahathir, 92, who led Malaysia for 22 years, is now running as the opposition’s candidate for prime minister against Najib, his former protege.

Najib is under pressure to deliver an emphatic victory for his ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, as he grapples with a scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), and public anxiety over rising living costs.

Earlier this week, the government tabled a bill seeking to outlaw “fake news”, which prescribes fines and up to 10 years in jail, raising more concern about media freedom in the wake of the 1MDB scandal.

The anti-fake news bill is expected to be debated and passed on Thursday.

SOURCE: REUTERS