A worker prepares lanterns at a temple for the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Malaysia’s northern island of Penang Febuary 2, 2008. Chinese people all over the world usher in the Lunar New Year on February 7. According to the lunar calendar, 2008 is the Year of the Rat

A worker prepares wiring at a temple for the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Malaysia’s northern island of Penang Febuary 2, 2008. Chinese people all over the world usher in the Lunar New Year on February 7. According to the lunar calendar, 2008 is the Year of the Rat.

An opposition activist arrested during a protest in Kuala Lumpur January 26, 2008. Malaysian police broke up the small opposition protest against rising prices, arresting more than four dozen people according to rally organisers.

An arrested protester hanging a ‘bersih’ mufler as he sits in a police truck during a protest in Kuala Lumpur January 26, 2008. Malaysian police broke up the small opposition protest against rising prices, arresting more than four dozen people, according to rally organisers.

Hindu devotees take a special shower before beginning their pilgrimage to the sacred Batu Caves temple during Thaipusam festival in Kuala Lumpur on January 23, 2008.

A protester tries to take cover as police fire water cannon during a rally in Kuala Lumpur November 10, 2007

An arrested demonstrator is led away by police officers in the Masjid Jamek area of downtown Kuala Lumpur, 10 November 2007. Malaysian police unleashed tear gas and water cannons on protesters 10 November as tens of thousands defied a government ban and rallied in the capital calling for clean elections. Some 30,000 demonstrators massed outside Malaysia’s royal palace, led by opposition leaders including dissident former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, as they faced off against hundreds of riot police.

Arrested demonstrators are led away by police officers in the Masjid Jamek area of downtown Kuala Lumpur, 10 November 2007. Malaysian police unleashed tear gas and water cannons on protesters 10 November as tens of thousands defied a government ban and rallied in the capital calling for clean elections. Some 30,000 demonstrators massed outside Malaysia’s royal palace, led by opposition leaders including dissident former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, as they faced off against hundreds of riot police.