Malaysia: Protests simmer over government's attempt to redraw electoral boundaries

Malaysia's parliament has been witnessing protests against the government's plan to redraw electoral boundaries. The move is likely to favour the ruling coalition in general elections that will be held soon.

Prime Minister Najib Razak is likely to press for a parliamentary approval today for the redrawn boundaries. Critics believe that the move, in case it materialises, is likely to worsen malapportionment leading to drawing of constitutional boundaries on racial lines to ensure electoral victory for the ruling coalition.

The protesters want the plan to be withdrawn and legal challenges cleared in the court.

The National Front coalition has faced severe setbacks in the last two elections including losing popular vote to the opposition for the first time in 2013. 

Najib also figures at the centre of a multibillion-dollar financial scandal.