A group of Malaysian protesters showed up at the China Embassy in Kuala Lumpur today to urge the Chinese government to unconditionally release jailed dissident Liu Xiaobo.

Carrying placards with the words “free Xiaobo” and “rights to health and medical care”, they gathered in front of the embassy, watched by two embassy officers and four police officers at the gate.

At the end of the rally, a police officer asked one of the protesters to show his identity card, but he declined, contending that it was a peaceful assembly.

However, the police allowed the gathering to disperse peacefully 30 minutes later.

Liu, 61, is serving an 11-year prison sentence and is reportedly suffering from terminal liver cancer.

Among the participants are PKR Machang Bubuk assemblyperson Lee Khai Loon, Kuala Sepetang assemblyperson Chua Yee Ling and former Suara Rakyat Malaysia executive director Yap Swee Seng.

Yap criticised the Chinese government for jailing Liu, who is exercising his basic human rights to fight for democracy.

“Most importantly, Liu did not commit any crime. His so-called crime is to fight for democracy,” he said.

“Liu is already dying, but the Chinese government still does not want to release him. We are saddened," Yap added.

“We condemn the Chinese government for this cruel treatment, and urge for his unconditional release."

Lee said that believers in human rights would like to see Liu go free. “This is not only a problem confined to China but it also involves the world."

“As the issue is gaining international attention, I hope the Chinese government will free Liu.”

Liu, a Nobel laureate, was convicted in 2009 of inciting subversion for his role in the "Charter 08" movement. The charter is a manifesto that calls for an independent legal system, freedom of association and the elimination of one-party rule

While in custody, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010.

Western governments and human rights groups have been urging Beijing to free the ailing dissident for treatment overseas but to no avail.