Defying the police crackdown on Bersih 2.0 supporters, the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) has hung up a yellow banner in solidarity with the coalition, which will hold a rally on July 9 in Kuala Lumpur.

bersih poster scah 280611 The banner, put up yesterday, states the date and venue of the rally, alongside the words: ‘Gather together for a free and fair election’. The national flag is displayed as well.

KLSCAH secretary-general Stanley Yong called on the authorities to listen to the people.

“People have an absolute right to decide the future of the country, so the call of democracy is correct,” he said when contacted.

While saying the KLSCAH is against street protests, he noted that the move is “Bersih’s last resort” after being thwarted in engaging the authorities for electoral reform.

"It doesn’t mean that Bersih is unpatriotic. The (display of the) national flag shows that the people love their country, whatever happens. Based on this, we share Bersih’s ideas,” said Yong.

He said the administration can be stable if the government accepts criticism from the people and make improvements based on these.

“If (the government) claims that (criticism) is voiced by (only opposition) parties, then that is childish behaviour and political short-sightedness.”

‘No fear of harassment’

Yong said the KLSCAH is not afraid of being harassed by the police for displaying the banner.

“I don’t think that they have reason to harass us. We are neither extreme nor have we broken the law,” he said.

He said that the KLSCAH board will issue its official stand on the Bersih 2.0 rally, but will not force anyone in the organisation to participate.

Two other groups - Perkasa and Umno Youth - also plan to take to the streets on July 9 to counter the Bersih 2.0 gathering led by a coalition of NGOs.

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