Thousands in Malaysia protest fuel prices

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia (AP) -- Thousands of Malaysians have thronged a stadium for an opposition-backed protest against a steep hike in fuel prices, ignoring a police warning that the gathering was illegal.

Some 5,000 people assembled in a 50,000-seat stadium for the protest Sunday. Many wore red bandanas and red T-shirts with the word "Down" emblazoned on the chest, a reference to their demand for oil prices to be reduced.

By midday, most people had left after listening to speeches by opposition leaders and other speakers.

Police had warned that the rally was illegal because organizers did not take necessary permission. But police did not intervene and there was no trouble.

Public anger against the government is high after it increased gasoline prices by 41 percent and diesel prices by 63 percent last month.

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