The police have denied Bersih 2.0 a permit for an assembly at Stadium Merdeka tomorrow on grounds that the rally would “disrupt public order and safety”.

Speaking to reporters at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters, district police chief Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman also revealed that Bersih 2.0 applied for a permit.

The application was made through a communications officer from the Selangor Community Awareness Society on behalf of Bersih 2.0 this morning.

"The applicant said that about 100,000 people intend to come," said Zulakirnain, Zulkarnain, refusing to divulge further on the identity of the applicant.

The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections had previously said it would not be applying for a police permit because Article 10 of the Federal Constitution guarantees the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

However, Bersih 2.0 steering committee member Maria Chin Abdullah has denied claims that the movement had applied for a permit. 

An application was only submitted at the Pudu police station this afternoon.

No appeal by Umno Youth

However, Zulkarnain said the group could still appeal to the Kuala Lumpur acting police chief within 24 hours from today.

The senior police officer also denied having received an appeal from Umno Youth to march to Stadium Merdeka, dubbed the Patriot rally, tomorrow as well.

"Their earlier application was also not approved on the same grounds," he said.

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin had earlier today said that the wing would be appealing against the rejection of its permit application to assemble at Stadium Merdeka tomorrow.

However, Zulkarnain revealed that Umno Youth did not state the venue of assembly in its earlier application.