Consisting of both Malaysian and non-Malaysians, rally organisers said they expected 1,000 to show up at Belgrave Square here, to pledge their solidarity with other Bersih 5 participants in Malaysia and to demand for the release of those arrested in the run-up to the rally.

Many were dressed in yellow Bersih 5 T-shirts and a creative few did otherwise.

One participant, who has lived 10 years in London, came dressed as a secondary school student in a baju kurung, and wore a name tag that said Ku Tak Puas (I am dissatisfied).

“I’m dressed as a student because I want to represent the students in Malaysia,” she said. She also carried a placard, demanding the PM “Stop threatening students” in Malaysia.

Organisers initially planned to march from the High Commission to Trafalgar Square, passing through Downing Street but changed routes due to a student protest taking place at the same time.

“We wanted to stop by Downing Street to pass a petition to British Prime Minister Theresa May.

“We want the UK government to make a representation to the Malaysian government and to stop the ongoing political persecution in Malaysia.”

Sarawak Report founder Clare Rewcastle-Brown was also present.