No name was mentioned, but the crowd is expecting to see former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who turned up at the Bersih 4 rally in central Kuala Lumpur last year and has waged a year-long campaign to oust Najib Razak as prime minister.

Rally emcee Fariz Musa told protestors to brave the heat today and wait for the special guest expected to arrive at 5pm.

About 3,000 protesters have assembled in 37 degree heat since 2pm today at various spots of the city, and will converge on Dataran Merdeka to protest against the imposition of the 6 per cent Goods and Services Tax and to call for Najib’s resignation.

Dr Mahathir resigned from Umno two months ago and has joined forces with Opposition politicians, initiating the Citizens’ Declaration, signed by more than 45 people. He also attended the People’s Congress last week.