A Malaysian protestor carries a bag reading 'My Prime Minister Embarrasses Me' as protesters prepare to march during a BERSIH (The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections) rally in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 29, 2015. [Photo/IC]

A nation of 30 million, Malaysia is predominantly Malay Muslim with significant Chinese and Indian minorities. Its ambitions to rise from a middle income to a developed nation this decade have been stymied by slow-paced reforms and Najib's increasing authoritarianism.

Support for Najib's National Front has eroded in the last two general elections. It won in 2013, but lost the popular vote for the first time to an opposition alliance.

Concerns over the political scandal partly contributed to the Malaysian currency plunging to a 17-year low beyond 4 ringgit to the dollar earlier this month.

Apart from Najib's resignation, the demands being sought are institutional reforms that will make the government more transparent and accountable.