Download Tens of thousands gathered in the heart of Malaysia’s capital city last weekend for a massive rally demanding electoral reform.

Organized by “Bersih” or “clean” in Malay, the coalition of 84 NGOs and human rights groups are pushing for a clean-up of Malaysia’s electoral system in the lead up to the next election.

Activists say the current laws favour the ruling coalition, which has been in power for 55 years.

This rally is the largest in a decade, attracting more than 25 thousand Malaysians.  

Julia Yeow meets the protestors in Kuala Lumpur.

Download The Lynas rare earth plant in Malaysia is almost ready to go – but local residents have ramped up massive protests to stop it in its tracks.

Rare earths are minerals used in a wide range of electronic devices, hybrid cars, and weapons.

Australian company Lynas got the license to build and operate the Malaysia refinery – one of the largest in the world.

The plant could process up to 22 thousand tonnes of rare earth annually – enough to meet a third of world demand, not including China.

But protesters say it will also produce large amounts of radioactive waste, with long-term environmental and health risks.

Julia Yeow travels to the Gebeng industrial area in Malaysia’s eastern town of Kuantan, home for the controversial Lynas plant – and for 10,000 local residents.

Download Early this week Malaysia tabled a new bill in parliament that replaces the draconian Internal Security Act, or ISA.

The new Security Offences Bill promises no detention without trial for anti-government political opinions or activities.

But some activists are suspicious, and say the new law is too vague and does not do enough to guarantee rights.

Our correspondent Clarence Chua is in Kuala Lumpur to find out more.

Download White gloves and purple shirts covered the streets of Petaling Jaya in Malaysia when women gathered, calling for more political representation and equal rights.

Some hope this will be the start of a new movement that puts women’s demands in the headlines.

Our correspondent Clarence Chua joins the crowd.