Ambiga head of BERSIH 2.0
The three groups planning to have separate rallies on July 9 were summoned to Bukit Aman police headquarters yesterday.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the representatives of the three groups -- Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0), Umno Youth and Malay rights group Perkasa were called because they have insisted on having the rallies despite not having a police permit.
“I have already stated that immediate action must be taken on this matter and the PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) will call all parties involved, because although we have said that we are not going to grant them permits, the
statements from Perkasa, Umno Youth and Bersih, indicate that they plan to proceed anyway,” he told reporters after attending a meeting in Parliament yesterday.
Hishammmuddin however declined to give details as to what would happen when the groups are at Bukit Aman.
“My statement is that all three parties will not be granted permits to gather on that date. I am saying categorically that all three will not get it,” he said.
The rally, dubbed as the “Walk of Democracy” organised by Bersih is made up of several opposition parties and various civil society groups that want six demands to be met, and an end to the misuse of government machinery during elections.
Many are against the rally and several police reports have been lodged against Bersih. After the announcement by Bersih, Perkasa vowed that it will have a counter protest against Bersih.
Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin also announced that it will hold a major street rally on the same day to support the current electoral system.
Hishammuddin added that he hoped that the Election Commission (EC) will be given the opportunity to meet with Bersih and determine the group’s “actual purpose” for the rally.
“Is it simply to seek for transparency and justice in the context of democracy? Or are they also linking it to other issues that are political in nature, or combining it with racial matters, which could jeopardise public safety. My priority is the people’s safety,” he said.
Asked if there were plans to investigate Perkasa chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali for his call for the Chinese community to stock up on food for July 9, Hishammuddin said: “I already said the police will call the three parties ... not only Ibrahim Ali. They will be called today (Wednesday), but we do not know if they will come today (Wednesday).”
Ibrahim clarified his statement Tuesday, saying that it was merely an advice and not a threat to the Chinese community.
Earlier today, MCA vice-president and Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung warned party members against participating in the Bersih 2.0 rally on July 9 or they will face disciplinary action, and may even be sacked.
"MCA members are well aware that the rally is an illegal gathering without police permit; nothing will be solved with such a demonstration," he said after launching his Ministry's Monthly Gathering which carried the theme
