Malaysian opposition rally speakers warned of sedition charges

Police said they may pursue sedition charges against speakers at a mass rally organised by Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim to protest against alleged election fraud.

The announcement was swiftly condemned by Anwar's party as a "politically motivated threat" aimed at silencing opposition claims that last Sunday's hard-fought elections were stolen by the ruling coalition.

Vowing to "never surrender" as he addressed tens of thousands of supporters at a rally in a Kuala Lumpur suburb, Anwar on Wednesday announced that a series of protest gatherings would be held around the country.

Rafizi Ramli, an official from his party, said two rallies were planned for the weekend in northern states including Anwar's home state of Penang, with another two early next week on the east coast and in the south.

During Wednesday's rally, at which supporters dressed in black to protest against the election outcome, Anwar denounced the National Front government of Prime Minister Najib Razak as "illegitimate".