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LIVE: Group arrested in Malacca for wearing Bersih t-shirts

It is now more than 10 hours since crowds clad in yellow gathered on the streets for the Bersih 4 rally around Dataran Merdeka in the capital city and thousands are still going strong past midnight. Some 200,000 people are estimated to have gathered at the rally's peak about 4pm, according to the organiser, electoral reform group Bersih 2.0, although police put the number at 29,000. The Malaysian Insider is bringing live updates on the Bersih 4 rally here: SUNDAY, 2.04: President of the Malaysian Bar Steven Thiru confirms the arrests of several people in Malacca under the Printing Presses and Publications Act for wearing Bersih T-shirts. PKR deputy information chief Ginie Lim had tweeted earlier that more than 20 people were arrested under the act about 9.30pm yesterday. "In Balai Banda Kaba now," she said. The Home Ministry on Friday evening before Saturday's rally officially banned yellow clothing and the words "Bersih 4" under the act. (Story continues) At 8.30pm, news portal Malaysiakini put the estimated number of protesters still on the streets around Dataran Merdeka at 20,000. The gathering has been peaceful and festive, and even though large numbers were seen leaving the area earlier in the evening other protesters came to take their place. Police have not taken any action against protesters so far – a departure from their use of tear gas and chemical-laced water in previous Bersih rallies. Bersih 2.0's security teams have erected a barricade around Dataran Merdeka and have urged protesters not to attempt to breach in, after Kuala Lumpur City Hall denied the rally permission to use the square. A group of people earlier attempted to break past the barricades but were thwarted by Bersih 4 rally security, and with the intervention of Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah. Just before midnight, sections of the crowd were seen putting up tents to prepare for a night on the streets, in line with Bersih 2.0's call for a marathon 34-hour rally to demand reforms, clean and corrupt-free government, the right to protest and measures to save the economy. The rally earlier received a boost when former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad made an unexpected visit, walking through a throng of people near Dataran Merdeka, accompanied by his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali. Dr Mahathir said he was at Dataran Merdeka to "see" the situation. "Teruskan, teruskan (Continue, continue)," he said and left soon after. Dr Siti Hasmah also told reporters: "This is people's power”. .The Bersih 4 rally, which is also being held in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, calls 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. 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. Updates on the Bersih 4 rally (continue): SUNDAY, 1.05: A medical team stationed near Dataran Merdeka says they have treated 13 cases of food poisoning about an hour ago. The cause was believed to be free packet drinks handed out to rally goers. Six patients were sent to Kuala Lumpur Hospital, among them two children below the age of 10. The eldest victim was a 52-year-old. 12.48: Near the barricades around Dataran Merdeka, protesters are preparing to sleep, with some bedding down on sleeping mats while others are simply lying on the road using their backpacks as pillows.Yellow banners put up by Bersih 2.0 around the barricades remind rally goers not to cross the line into the square. Nearby, other protesters have tied raffia around poles as a makeshift barrier to stop people from crossing into Dataran Merdeka. 12.30: Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo of DAP is seen autographing Bersih 4 T-shirts and posing for photos with rally goers near Dataran Merdeka. There is minimal police presence and only traffic policemen at that. Some are seen near the Sogo shopping complex and also near the Swiss Hotel directing traffic. 12.09: Protesters have pitched tents in front of the Masjid Jamek LRT station. Thousands of protesters are still outside the OCBC bank along Jalan Tun Perak stretching to Dataran Merdeka. 10.25: Greeted by a loud applause, Ambiga speaks to the crowd. "After eight hours, we are still spirited. The PM says we are not patriotic. Not all of us. "We are not only patriotic but heroes. We will continue to fight for our basic rights. We will not surrender," she said. 10: In KUCHING, police have seized several banners which had "sensitive words" from participants of the Bersih 4 rally at the Song Kheng Hai field. Bernama quoted Kuching police chief ACP Roslan Bek Ahmad as saying that the banners were seized before the participants entered the field. Police also advised those who had brought along children to send them home before joining the rally. 9.59: Some participants have pitched their tents for the night in Jalan Raja, near Dataran Merdeka. 9.47: Musical group BangsArt begins their performance. 9.40: The beating of drums and shouts of “Bersih” greet student activist Adam Adli as he addresses the crowd. "We will take care of this country for all of you. For our children, we promise a better future. We can no longer keep quiet. We will only stop fighting when we are victorious," he said. 9.37: Maria Chin thanks Dr Mahathir for turning up at Dataran Merdeka. "Thank you for coming. We invited all and hope more people from Umno will join us as it's a national call for reform." 9.17: Karpal Singh's widow Gurmit Kaur speaks to rally-goers. "I know his spirit is with us. Life must go on," she said before shouting "Bersih" three times. 9.05: Bersih 2.0 chief Maria Chin Abdullah believes the rally goers have created history today with their courage at Dataran Merdeka. "There are 200,000 people today. Thank you to all of you. We have raised RM2.4 million." She says there are two messages to be conveyed – institutional reformation and a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak when Parliament convenes in October. 8.56: Bersih 4 volunteers and security personnel on alert as rumours circulate that a group of people are out to create chaos and will try to break through the barricades and enter Dataran Merdeka. 8.55: Some rally-goers have pitched tents in Jalan Tun Perak. 8.49: The crowd observes silence as Muslim rally-goers pray. 8.42: Rally-goers ask the crowd to give them space to perform the sembahyang hajat near Dataran Merdeka. 8.30: Aunty Bersih has been spotted at the gates of St. John's Cathedral ushering people in to rest there overnight. 7.30: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad arrives to join rally-goers at Dataran Merdeka. He is 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". 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 speaks. 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. 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." 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. 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. 2.17: PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail arrives at Sogo with daughter Nurul Nuha Anwar. 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". 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. 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. 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." 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. 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: Ipoh 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. 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. 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. 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. 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: Protesters 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 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. 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. 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.