KUALA LUMPUR – The Coalition for Clean and Fair Election’s (Bersih) rally near Parliament will proceed as planned tomorrow, despite being declared illegal for allegedly failing to notify the police of the gathering.
Bersih chairperson Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz told Scoop that the group had a “positive” discussion with police from the Dang Wangi station after sending a notification about the gathering at about 2pm today.
“Our discussion (with the police) was roughly positive. They instructed us to prevent issues that threatened public order, security, and traffic congestion, as well as to eschew provocation.
“For Bersih, we can comply with all these (instructions). From our understanding, there is no problem for (the rally) to continue tomorrow,” he said when contacted.
However, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid confirmed with Scoop today that Bersih’s planned gathering still breaches the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, as the notice was supposed to be delivered to the police at least five days before the event.
Asked about Allaudeen’s remarks, Faisal said that while explicit rules may detail a five-day notice requirement, the element of discussion should also be considered.
“From our meeting earlier, the police did not tell us to axe the gathering. The police did not bring up the issue of a five-day notice requirement,” Faisal said.
Faizal noted that Allaudeen was not present during the discussion and that Bersih had spoken to a representative from the general licencing unit.
Should the police decide to conduct a probe after the gathering, Faisal said Bersih would be ready to cooperate with the authorities, as the organiser’s main priority would be to maintain public safety and to avoid any inconveniences.
For tomorrow, Faisal hoped Bersih could meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and several other lawmakers to convey the people’s calls for reform.
Acknowledging the government’s efforts in addressing ongoing issues, Faisal emphasised that the gathering’s purpose is to encourage the administration to establish a clear timeline for its reform agenda, which requires immediate attention.
The rally will be held at Plaza Tugu Negara, near Parliament, at 8am tomorrow. – February 26, 2024