The Malaysian Council of Ex-Elected Representatives (Mubarak) wants the police to use the Internal Security Act (ISA) against the organisers of the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) rally on July 9.

Its president Aziz Abdul Rahman said it was time for firmer action to be taken by the authorities against any activity that could jeopardise public interest and the country's security.

"Although we realise that in present circumstances, the authorities may be hesitant to use the ISA to avoid portraying a negative image of the country at the international level, we opine that public order and the security of the country cannot be substituted with the need to portray a good image," he said in a statement today.

Aziz said that no one could deny that the proposed rally, which would involve a huge crowd, could turn ugly and lead to a riot.

Hence, measures should be taken by the police to stop the rally, he added.

NONE Another critic of the Bersih gathering today was Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Liew Vui Keong (right) , who said the rally was only meant to serve the political agenda of the opposition parties.

Liew said the the Bersih leader was a supporter of the opposition parties.

"Bersih only wants to use the assembly as an opportunity to promote its political agenda," he told reporters after presenting the 1Malaysia notebook in Sandakan today.

He advised the people to not participate in the assembly as it could threaten peace and unity in the country.

On those responsible for hacking the government's websites, Liew, who is Sandakan MP, said stern action should be taken against them.

Bersih march 'immoral'

In Kuala Lumpur, various quarters, especially traders, have expressed concern over the rally being organised by Bersih.

NONE A random interview conducted by Bernama in the city today, found that many of the respondents are worried that the rally could lead to a riot and would affect business as well as prevent the public from doing their daily routine.

A food trader at Jalan Chow Kit, Azmi Zabri, 44, said the rally, if continued to be held, would not bring any benefit to traders.

"We have the Parliament. That is the most effective place to debate or give suggestions. The Bersih rally is immoral and a waste of time," he added.

Sndran Chandrensamy, 60, a trader at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman since 40 years ago, is also against the rally.

He said such a rally would be bad for the country's image.

Many of the women interviewed expressed concern that the rally could create a situation which could jeopardise the public safety.

Aida Mansor, 42, said she was disappointed that the opposition failed to learn from an illegal assembly held in 2007.

"At that time, everything was in chaos. There was disorder everywhere," she added.

- Bernama