Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (centre) and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali leave the crowd near Dataran Merdeka, the venue of the Bersih 4 rally organised by electoral reform group Bersih 2.0. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Najjua Zukefli, August 29, 2015.
The crowd immediately surrounded him after he got out of his car. He was accompanied by his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
Dr Mahathir said he was at Dataran Merdeka to "see" the situation.
Dr Siti Hasmah also told reporters: "This is people's power."
His daughter Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir immediately tweeted: "love ya, dad!!"
Meanwhile, a group of people who attempted to break past the barricades into Dataran Merdeka this evening were thwarted by Bersih 4 rally security.
The group kept trying to push past the barricades despite instructions from the security personnel and those around not to do so.
Security personnel who were deployed by the electoral reform group tightened their hold of the barricade.
A screengrab of Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir’s tweet on her father Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s visit to the Bersih 4 rally.The drama only ended after Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah came to calm the situation down.
It was, however, not known what she said to the group.
Later, Maria said that she was happy with the turnout and the amount that has been raised by Bersih.
"In less than a month, we have managed to raise RM2.4 million.
"It shows the people's support and shows that the demands of Bersih is accepted by all," she said.
Bersih security personnel forming a human wall to prevent protesters from going onto the field at Dataran Merdeka.Maria also said she was satisfied with the support of the police in ensuring that the rally went on smoothly.
"We are very happy with the police," she added.
Former Bersih 2.0 chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan said organisers missed the PAS leadership in today's rally, which has seen some 50,000 people gathered at various spots in Kuala Lumpur.
"We miss PAS," said Ambiga when met by reporters at Dataran Merdeka, the focal point of the Bersih 4 rally.
PAS leaders are staying away from the rally, following their recent fallout with DAP. The Islamist party had earlier questioned the rally's timing just two days before the Merdeka celebrations, and said it was planning its own gathering next week.
The Bersih 4 rally which is also being held in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, and is calling for institutional reforms in the wake of financials scandals linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) affair involving Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Since this morning, hundreds of policemen have taken up positions in areas surrounding Dataran Merdeka, urging the crowd to keep away from the historic square.
Batu MP Tian Chua seen at the rally.The organisers themselves have urged rally-goers to stay clear of Dataran Merdeka.
Majority of protesters defied a ban on the yellow Bersih 4 T-shirts, as well as veiled threats of a state of emergency and Putrajaya’s declaration that the event is illegal.
Earlier this morning, road blocks were set up along major roads heading towards Kuala Lumpur, including at the North Klang Valley Expressway before the Subang exit, the Kesas highway in front of Proton, the Batu Caves roundabout and Jalan Sungei Besi.
Bersih 2.0 posted on their Facebook page this morning that the road blocks are "only for Merdeka Day rehearsals" and to "stay calm".
The organisers had previously told rally-goers not to enter Dataran Merdeka and not to bring their children along.
The rally-goers were at several meeting points in the city, including Dataran Maybank in Pudu, Central Market (Pasar Seni), Masjid Negara and the Sogo departmental store and Brickfields.
Malaysian diasporas are also holding Bersih 4 rallies in some 70 cities worldwide. – August 29, 2015.
The Malaysian Insider is bringing live updates on the Bersih 4 rally here:
7.30: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad arrives to join rally-goers at Dataran Merdeka. He was accompanied by his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
6.55: Rally-goers are regrouping at the junction near the KL City Hall headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut to hear what the leaders have to say. Batu MP Tian Chua is addressing the crowd.
6.50: Bersih chairman Maria Chin Abdullah urges rally-goers not to enter the Dataran Merdeka area, which has been cordoned off. The next programme is at 9pm.
Activist Hishamuddin Rais is urging those present not to do anything stupid. He told the participants to relax, take their time, and sit as they still had 30 hours to protest. The participants replied with a chorus of "Bersih". Hishamuddin also told the crowd that Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman was their "hotel".
Sabah Bersih 4 participants clean up the beach at Taman Teluk Likas II, the venue of the rally in Kota Kinabalu. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Hasnoor Hussain, August 29, 2015.6.21: In KOTA KINABALU, some Sabah Bersih participants are also taking time to clean the beach.
6.20: A few hundred rally participants sing "Negaraku" as they stand facing Dataran Merdeka.
6.15: Although many of the participants are on a break, a number of them are still blowing vuvuzelas and chanting "Bersih" at the barricades at Dataran Merdeka.
6.12: In KOTA KINABALU, Sabah Bersih organisers lay out plastic sheets along the beach at Teluk Likas for rally-goers to catch the sunset.
6.00: Many participants take a break and rest by the roadside. The announcer claims that 200,000 people attended today's rally.
5.13: Dr Wan Azizah leaves Dataran Merdeka but says she will come back after Maghrib prayers.
5.05: Former Bersih 2.0 chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan says rally organisers miss the participation of the PAS leadership who did not join the Bersih 4 rally today.
4.59: Announcer at Dataran Merdeka urges crowd to persevere and be patient. Dr Wan Azizah arrives at the Dataran Merdeka from Sogo.
4.31: Rally-goers are leaving some areas.
4.30: In KUCHING, DAP Pending assemblyman Violet Yong in her address at the rally says: "Najib, we want you to step down..."
4.10: "1MDB causes our ringgit to drop, Singapore dollar to go up. We can't go to the US, Singapore. Where can we go? We have to ensure a new Malaysia for our children. We want a clean Malaysia," Guan Eng tells the crowd heading to Dataran Merdeka.
4.00: Crowd sit at the junction of Jalan Raja and Jalan Raja Laut, while being entertained by the BangsaArt group.
3.57: Loud cheers erupt as the truck carrying DAP's Lim Guan Eng passes Masjid Jamek LRT station on its way to Dataran Merdeka. Rally-goers chant "Hidup rakyat" and blow on vuvuzelas.
3.55: The crowd in Kuching came from Simunjan, Betong, Bintulu, Sibu and Miri.
3.52: The crowd at Jalan Tun Perak is estimated at more than 10,000. People cheer as Kuala Krai MP Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli speak.
A large crowd march from Dataran Maybank to Dataran Merdeka. – The Malaysian Insider pic, August 29, 2015.
3.50: Bersih 4 participants are now gathered behind the barricades near Dataran Merdeka. In front of them are police and civil defence personnel.
3.45: Awang Ahmad Awang Ali, a member of the Bersih organising committee in Kuching, says a fifth rally would be held at Padang Merdeka if no efforts are made to have a fair election at the coming state poll.
3.43: In KOTA KINABALU, Sabah Bersih chair Jannie Lasimbang says the state suffered the most due to dirty elections.
3.41: Motorists and bus drivers in Brickfields honk as they pass the crowd.
3.40: Nurul Izzah, Dr Wan Azizah, Khalid Samad and Lim Kit Siang arrive at Dataran Merdeka, wait for Maria Chin to join them.
3.35: In KUCHING, 12 speakers to speak, each for 5 minutes.
3.34: KL City Hall headquarters also surrounded by crowd.
3.30: Crowd from Masjid Negara arrive at Dataran Merdeka.
3.21: In KOTA KINABALU, some 3,000 descend on Taman Teluk Likas Dua, more than what organisers expected.
3.13: "We don't want to topple the government but we want to topple corrupt politicians," says Bersih 2.0 chief Maria Chin Abdullah in Jalan Tun Perak, as the crowd get closer to Dataran Merdeka.
Maria Chin Abdullah (left) on top of a vehicle as speakers address the crowd marching towards Dataran Merdeka.
3.08: PKR's Rafizi Ramli at Sogo: "We will continue to be at Dataran Merdeka until midnight tomorrow. I ask people to remain there until tomorrow night. Insha Allah, this is the last time we hold Bersih for as long as Najib is PM."
Crowd occupy the Song Kheng Hai field in Kuching.
3.06: In KOTA KINABALU, Sabah Bersih crowd have started marching along Tun Fuad Stephens coastal road to the rally area.
3.05: Some 4,000 at the Song Kheng Hai field in Kuching.
3.02: DAP's crowd control team clad in red T-shirts accompany protesters to Dataran Merdeka.
3.00: PAS's Mat Sabu reminds rally-goers to take their time. "Move slowly as we have 33 hours. Don't enter the Dataran Merdeka field as chairs have been arranged for the Merdeka celebration. We have done this many times. The ones who trespass are not our people. Be disciplined until midnight tomorrow."
2.55: "Police have not taken action. They are facilitating safety and traffic. Bersih volunteers also committed to keep the barricade. They are not allowed to put up tents as agreed with City Hall. However, they will remain overnight without pitching up tents," said Suhakam commissioner James Nayagam meeting Dang Wangi police chief ACP Zainol Samah at Dataran Merdeka.
2.52: Crowds from Brickfields, Dataran Maybank in Pudu and Masjid Negara are marching to Dataran Merdeka.
Protesters use creative slogans on their placards at the Sabah Bersih 4.2.50: The early birds at the Song Kheng Hai ground in Kuching signing the petition for a free and fair election.
2.49: Second group in Brickfields march towards Dataran Merdeka.
2.45: Dr Wan Azizah at Sogo: "Today we are with the people of Malaysia. I am proud and grateful that the people are courageous. Although we cannot wear yellow, many are doing so. We continue the fight to free Anwar Ibrahim."
2.44: "It's not just Malays but Malaysians gathered here," says former PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu at Masjid Negara.
2.38: Leaders take turns to speak to protesters before their march from Petaling Street to Puduraya.
2.35: In KOTA KINABALU, some 200 participants at Taman Awam Teluk Likas 1 chant "Bersih" and prepare to march to park number 2.
2.30: "I am touched today, Malaysian regardless of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Dusun, Kadazan or Dayak are in Kuala Lumpur together... Yesterday, the government announced that the yellow Bersih T-shirts are banned. If BN continues to form the government, even the colour of our clothes will be determined by them," says Rasah MP Teo Kok Seong.
2.28: About 4,000 start to march from Brickfields.
2.27: In KUCHING, chants of "Turun Najib, Hidup Bersih" at Taman Sri Sarawak Mall.
2.25: Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad at Dataran Merdeka.
2.22: Bersih observers and volunteers try best to keep crowds away from Dataran Merdeka. One was heard saying "Come on, guys. Please let's not ask for trouble."
2.20: Rally-goers in Brickfields begin march to Dataran Merdeka, joined by lawyer-activist Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, Muslim preacher Wan Ji Wan Hussin and Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar.
PKR's Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail with the crowd outside Sogo.
2.16: About 1,000 at Masjid Negara.
2.14: Crowd at Dataran Merdeka swells to more than 5,000, with chants of "Bersih" and "Undur Najib" heard. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is also present.
2.13: Seremban MP Anthony Loke is among the crowd at Dataran Maybank in Pudu.
2.11: DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang addresses crowd at Masjid Negara from on top a lorry: "We gather because we love our country. We want a transparent, clean government"
2.10: About 3,000 sing Negaraku led by PKR's Jingga 13 coordinator Fariz Musa.
2.06: Abdul Aziz Isa, an aide to Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen, says the Malay turnout at today's rally is "beyond expectations".
Abdul Aziz Isa at the Kuching Bersih 4 rally.
2.05: Crowd at Dataran Merdeka swells to 1,000.
2.02: Skuad PKR Malaysia, a crowd control unit monitor security around Sogo.
2.00: Rally-goer Azura Aziz, 40, from Ampang, who is at Dataran Maybank in Pudu, says she is not afraid of getting arrested despite the government declaring Bersih 4 illegal. "Who cares? I want reform for the whole system, judiciary, education everything. The whole system in our country is dead."
1.55: Crowd at Sogo prepare to march to Dataran Merdeka.
1.52: Some 50 people calling themselves "Otai Reformasi" march to Sogo.
1.50: Nu Sentral in Brickfields turns into a hubbub of activists and journalists, with the crowd eagerly waiting to march towards Dataran Merdeka.
1.49: In KUCHING, DAP supporters gather at coffee shops in front of the Hilton hotel before marching to the Song Keng Hai rugby field.
DAP supporters at the Taman Sri Sarawak mall, near the Kuching.
1.46: In KOTA KINABALU: "I want to show Sabahans there is nothing wrong with gathering to express your demands," said rally-goer Harieyadi Karmin.
1.44: Activist Hishamuddin Rais joins crowd at Brickfields.
Harieyadi Karmin at the Sabah Bersih 4.1.43: Bersih hangs banners on barricades at Dataran Merdeka, thanking rally-goers for not entering the square.
1.40: The anti-Lynas group is also at Dataran Maybank in Pudu.
1.35: About 200 from a group calling themselves Johor Yellow Flame gather at the Masjid Negara courtyard.
1.33: Bersih 2.0 deputy chair Sarajun Hoda Abdul Hassan at Dataran Maybank in Pudu: "Turnout is encouraging, don't think we can make it to Dataran but will go as close as possible. Will not disrupt Merdeka celebration."
Members of a group calling themselves Johor Yellow Flame, at Masjid Negara.
1.28: In KOTA KINABALU, protesters pray by the seaside in Taman Teluk Gaya 1.
1.27: PKR Kapar MP G. Manivannan and ex-Perak MB Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin join protesters in Brickfields.
1.24: A medical team stationed at Dataran Merdeka with 30 personnel working on 4 shifts throughout the rally. There are 236 medical personnel at the various meeting points.
1.22: About 3,000 at Dataran Maybank in Pudu. Earlier, national rights body Suhakam estimated a total of 10,000 as at 10am.
1.21: About 2,000 estimated in Brickfields, broken up into smaller groups.
1.20: Police asked crowd to move away from Dataran Merdeka.
1.19: Lawyer-activist Eric Paulsen is also present at Sogo, later joined by Batu MP, Tian Chua.
1.18: Crowd in Brickfields chant "Tangkap Najib", "Hidup Bersih" and "Reformasi".
1.16: Protesters prepare to perform the Zuhur prayers on the giant banner outside Sogo. Mineral water bottles distributed to help them perform ritual ablution.
Rajendra Ramasamy, a protester in Brickfields.1.14: "This is the beginning. Don't expect instantaneous outcomes but it's a start of people's commitment to a transparent government," says Rajendra Ramasamy in Brickfields.
1.12: Bar Council president Steven Thiru with other lawyers seen at Masjid Negara.
1.08: A group of policemen stationed at Dataran Merdeka head towards Sogo.
1.05: A giant banner measuring 18 X 25 ft is unfurled in front of Sogo.
1.04: I
The giant banner unfurled at Sogo.poh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran joins crowd walking from Brickfields to Dataran Merdeka.
The giant banner unfurled at Sogo.poh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran joins crowd walking from Brickfields to Dataran Merdeka.
1.00: Hundreds at Dataran Maybank in Pudu start marching towards Masjid Jamek.
12.59: In KOTA KINABALU, DAP MP Jimmy Wong pitch tents at Taman Teluk Likas 1. Those present are waiting for more participants to arrive.
Jimmy Wong at the Sabah Bersih 4 rally.
12.57: Hindraf, PSM join Bersih crowd in Brickfields.
12.54: More than 1,000 outside Sogo. Boisterous rally-goers, mostly clad in yellow, chant "Bersih" and blow vuvuzela.
12.52: "I think we all want a better country. There's so many things wrong with it and we want to show we want something better," says Suzan Manan at Nu Sentral, Brickfields.
Azrul Khalid and Suzan Manan at NuSentral.
12.50: "If we are going to wait for someone to step up, we will wait forever. We must be part of effort to build new Malaysia," says Azrul Khalid at Nu Sentral.
A section of the crowd at Dataran Merdeka as at 12.40pm.12.49: Crowd at Dataran Merdeka estimated around 400.
12.46: About 2,000 people estimated at Dataran Maybank in Pudu. Michael, 26, from Kepong is giving out free bread and mineral water to participants. He and a few of his friends brought about 500 pieces of bread to be distributed.
12.45: A petition to collect one million signatures to call for Anwar's release circulated to rally-goers at Sogo.
12.44: Crowd near Dataran Merdeka estimated about 200.
12.42: Zhongqi, 27, from Cheras brought sunflowers as a symbol of hope for a better future. Two police trucks passed by Dataran Maybank in Pudu with some cops flashing the peace sign to rally-goers.
12.40: Crowd at Brickfields swells, 1,000 people at Nu Sentral exit chant "Bersih bersih!".
12.34: Cyclists in Bersih T-shirts circle the Sogo area.
Yellow balloon to support press freedom at Sogo.12.31: Yellow balloons with the words "Free Media" given to crowd at Sogo.
12.30: Rally-goers at Sogo wave Bersih 4 flags using fishing rods as poles.
12.27: Student activist Adam Adli joins rally-goers at Central Market.
12.25: Some carry canvas bags with the words "My prime minister embarrasses me".
12.22: "It is a festive atmosphere at Lebuh Ampang. Everyone seems to be having fun. I hope it stays this way," says a rally-goer.
12.20: P
Protesters at Sogo show a banner calling for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's release.rotesters hold placards with the words #BebasAnwar while repeatedly shouting "Bersih" and blowing vuvuzela.
Protesters at Sogo show a banner calling for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's release.rotesters hold placards with the words #BebasAnwar while repeatedly shouting "Bersih" and blowing vuvuzela.
12.18: A group of Malaysian researchers from the Netherlands are at NuSentral In Brickfields, to observe Bersih as part of their theses.
12.17: Near Masjid Negara, Bersih T-shirts being sold for RM12.
12.15: About 500 people gathered in front of Sogo, more arriving.
12.14: 300 Orang Asal join march from Fatima church in Brickfields.
12.13: About 20 people in Bersih and Gerakan Harapan Baru T-shirts at Dataran Masjid Negara.
12.10: In Dataran Merdeka: "We are here for Malaysia and for the next generation that will inherit this country. We not here to cause chaos. We are here peacefully," says a rally participant from Port Klang.
12.02: PKR vice-president and secretary-general Rafizi Ramli arrives at Sogo to rapturous applause from the
PKR's Rafizi Ramli greeted by the crowd at Sogo.crowd who shout "Ini baru 1Malaysia".
12.01: At Dataran Maybank in Pudu, about 700 people lined up by the roadside, chanting "Bersih" and continuously blow vuvuzelas. Some wave Malaysian flags. Traffic situation is normal.
12.00PM: Barricades set up in front of the Bar Council headquarters in Leboh Pasar Besar.
11.59: In KUCHING, things still quiet despite strong police presence. One or two people seen pitching tents for the overnight stay at Song Keng Hai rugby field.
A group of people pitch a tent at the Teluk Likas park in Kota Kinabalu.
11.58: Bersih participants gather in front of Kuala Lumpur City Hall headquarters, just 100 metres from Dataran Merdeka.
11.55: Six FRU trucks, including a water cannon, making their way into Dataran Merdeka.
11.51: In KOTA KINABALU, people are seen putting up tents for their overnight stay at the Teluk Likas public park 2.
11.50: Crowd in front of the Sogo department store shouting "Bersih".
11.46: In KOTA KINABALU, things still quiet at the Teluk Likas public park 2. A few policemen and a handful of plainclothes individuals are present. No sign of anyone wearing yellow T-shirts.
Two persons in eye-catching '2.6 billion' T-shirts, at KL Sentral.11.44: Two guys spotted wearing T-shirts with 2.6 billion printed on it in Brickfields.
11.40: National Day rehearsal at Dataran Merdeka is over. More policemen and K9 dog unit arrive at the square.
11.38: At Dataran Maybank in Pudu, protestors have started chanting "bersih" although no leaders are present. Passing vehicles honk in support.
11.34: A group sings the "Suara Rakyat" song and cheers "bangkit rakyat" at Central Market.
11.30: About 50 people are gathered at Church of Our Lady of Fatima in Brickfields (pic, left), waiting to march to the city. They are expected to be led by Jerit and Pusat Komas, and joined by former Perak MB Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin expected to lead them.
11.21: About 400 rally-goers have gathered at Central Market.
11.17: About 100 people wearing yellow Bersih 4 T-shirts are already gathering in front of Sogo departmental store in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman while another 200 are at Dataran Maybank in Pudu.
- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/live-despite-putrajayas-numerous-attempts-to-stop-it-crowds-starting-to-gat#sthash.QkcY0QAs.dpuf
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