The demonstrators demanded the troubled Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to resign as he dealt with the coronavirus pandemic.

On Saturday, hundreds of Malaysians staged an anti-government protest ignoring the ban on public gatherings under the containment of the coronavirus, which put pressure on the troubled prime minister to resign.

The protesters wore masks, kept their distance from each other, and waved banners with “failed government” and black flags.

This is Malaysia’s first large-scale demonstration in a while, as many people are reluctant to take to the streets due to COVID-related restrictions and fear of being infected.

However, there is growing anger over the government’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak (although the lockdown is still escalating) and Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s attempts to keep his crisis-ridden government in power.

Karmun Loh, who participated in the protests in Kuala Lumpur’s city centre, told AFP: “We fight because this government is busy playing politics when people are suffering.” “This government is…weakening the economy and destroying our country’s democracy.”

Demonstrator Shaq Koyok added that Muhyiddin “is a terrible prime minister.” “He needs to step down.”

Before the rally dispersed peacefully, a large number of police were present, and the police prevented the protesters’ attempts to enter the central square.

Organizers stated that about 1,000 demonstrators participated, but the police estimated the number to be about 400.

The police told local media that the protesters violated the ban on gatherings and will be summoned for questioning.

Muhyiddin did not hold elections after the collapse of the reformist government last year, and came to power under the leadership of a scandal-ridden coalition. But after allies withdrew their support, his government is on the verge of collapse.

As part of the virus emergency, he faced pressure to step down again this week after parliament held a meeting after a few months of suspension.

His government was accused of evading a vote that would test its faltering majority-a rare condemnation from the country’s respected king.

Sunday is the last day of the six-month state of emergency, but the nationwide blockade will continue.

Malaysia has reported nearly 1.1 million cases of the virus and more than 8,800 deaths.