A photograph of former MCA president Ling Liong Sik at a Bersih 4 rally in Perth, Australia has raised eyebrows.

Ling was spotted at around 1pm yesterday at Langley Park where the participants had converged in solidarity with the Bersih 4 protest in Kuala Lumpur.

One Bersih 4 participant, Tan Pan Maw, who spotted Ling ( photo ), took a photograph with the elder statesman.

"Less than 10 people actually recognised him, a few took photo with him, me and my friend went to him to take a photo," he told Malaysiakini .

"He asked our names and we asked whether he now lives in Perth, he said he just visiting," added Tan.

Tan said Ling wore a pale yellow top and was accompanied with a man with a Bersih T-shirt.

"I'm not sure if they are related," he said.

Tan said he spotted Ling when the over 1,000 participants were about to march to the Malaysian consulate.

"He didn't walk with us to the consulate but left after that," said Tan.

Malaysiakini is trying to contact Ling's sons for comment.

MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan had warned any members from participating in the Bersih 4 rally as they may face disciplinary action .

The rally at Perth was part of the Global Bersih movement which held concurrent protests with the Bersih 4 demonstration in Kuala Lumpur in over 70 cities worldwide.

Last night, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad made a surprise but brief visit to the Bersih 4 camp near Dataran Merdeka.