Bersih, known for its street protests that previous governments attempted to suppress, has condemned the authorities' efforts to block the upcoming anti-corruption rally scheduled for Jan 25 in Kuala Lumpur.

In a joint statement, the electoral watchdog and the human rights group Suaram called on Pakatan Harapan ministers - who have long been involved in Bersih rallies - to demonstrate their support for the event.

“What exactly are the authorities afraid of?...