Malaysia to lockdown largest city to block protest

Malaysian police say they will shut major roads and suspend public transportation into Kuala Lumpur to block a rally by opposition-backed activists.

The organizers of the banned rally planned for Saturday are demanding electoral reforms.

The escalating political tension marks a major challenge for Prime Minister Najib Razak's long-ruling coalition ahead of general elections widely expected next year.

Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Amar Singh says major roads into the city will be shut for 22 hours starting at midnight Friday. More than 200 people linked to the rally have already been detained in recent weeks.

Activists insisted they would gather in a stadium downtown Saturday and urged Najib to call off the clampdown that "fits the style of dictators."