Bersih's demands for electoral reform should be supported by all religions, declared interfaith group Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism said in statement yesterday.

Stressing that the freedom to assemble peacefully is a constitutionally recognised right, the interfaith council said efforts by the coalition for clean and fair elections is in accord with universal religious values.

"All religions support amongst others, principles of justice, fair play, transparency, and that no undue advantage is enjoyed by any party to the exclusion of the other.

NONE "Any argument that such assembly may cause traffic jams and (that it) inconvenience the public is not a legitimate reason. People are prepared to put up with some inconvenience to allow for the exercise of fundamental rights by others," said the interfaith council.

The non-Muslim interfaith group's statement came in the wake of PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat ( right ) who had earlier issued a 'religious edict' calling on all Muslims to attend the Bersih rally because its struggle is in accordance to Islamic principles.

Too late to change venue

Bersih has called for a sit-in protest at Dataran Merdeka Kuala Lumpur this Saturday, with simultaneous rallies taking place nationwide as well as cities around the world.

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the police have taken steps to prevent the event from being held at the iconic square and have offered alternative stadiums in Cheras and Titiwangsa.

However, Bersih reiterated yesterday that it will hold the rally at Dataran Merdeka, saying that it is too late to change the venue.

"The police have the duty and capacity to ensure the assembly proceeds peacefully without disturbances from any quarter," said the interfaith council.

"We appeal to all parties to conduct themselves with decorum and honour."