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Thousands of ethnic Malays rally to support Malaysian prime minister, uphold Malay pride

Associated Press
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Pro-government 'red shirt' protestors shout slogans during a pro-government demonstration in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015. Thousands of ethnic Malays in red shirts staged a rally Wednesday to uphold Malay dominance and support Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s government, following calls for Najib to step down over a $700 million financial scandal. (AP Photo/Osman Hassan) (The Associated Press)

A pro-government 'red shirt' protestor waves the national flag during a rally in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015. Thousands of ethnic Malays in red shirts staged a rally Wednesday to uphold Malay dominance and support Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s government, following calls for Najib to step down over a $700 million financial scandal. (AP Photo/Osman Hassan) (The Associated Press)

Pro-government 'red shirt' protestors stage a pro-government rally in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015. Thousands of ethnic Malays in red shirts held a rally Wednesday to uphold Malay dominance and support Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s government, following calls for Najib to step down over a $700 million financial scandal. (AP Photo/Osman Hassan) (The Associated Press)

Thousands of ethnic Malays have rallied to uphold Malay dominance and support Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's government, following calls for Najib to step down over a $700 million financial scandal.

Wednesday's rally, which included members of Najib's ruling Malay party, is to counter a protest in late August by tens of thousands of Malaysians to demand Najib's ouster and political reforms.

A nation of 30 million, Malaysia is predominantly Malay Muslim, with significant Chinese and Indian minorities.

The protesters on Wednesday accused ethnic Chinese of driving last month's demonstration, saying they had insulted Malay leaders and challenged Malay supremacy.

Wearing red shirts, the protesters chanted "Long live the Malays" as they blew horns and marched from several locations in Kuala Lumpur to a field near Parliament.