Although Pakatan Rakyat and several NGOs are adamant to hold this Saturday's ‘Black 505' rally at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Ahmad Phesal Talib insists that Stadium Merdeka is still the best location.

NONE A report in Malay daily Sinar Harian today quotes Ahmad Phesal ( left ) as saying that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is still awaiting Pakatan's reply to the alternative venues DBKL has proposed.

He had proposed three venues during a June 14 meeting with Pakatan leaders. These are Stadium Titiwangsa, Stadium Merdeka and the Air Panas recreational park in Setapak.

However Ahmad Phesal said Stadium Titiwangsa is no longer available as a wedding has been slated to take place there, leaving Stadium Merdeka and Air Panas recreational park.

He explained that the recreational park was proposed as it has a large open space with car parks and it is close to the Duta-Ulu Kelang Highway (DUKE).

'Location allows participants to be more disciplined'

"As discussed, Stadium Merdeka is the most suitable location, and DBKL is ready to help in terms of preparing a business site and traffic control.

NONE "Based on our experience during the Bersih 3.0 rally, holding an event at that location allows participants to be more disciplined and does not involve the damage of DBKL properties, except the increase in rubbish which has to be collected by a cleaning contractor," Ahmad Phesal is quoted as saying.

He claimed that the rally organiser has promised to consider the options and revert with its decision, but DBKL was yet to receive any reply.

Ahmad Phesal reiterated his stance that Padang Merbok is off limits to Pakatan, as an earlier approval has been granted to the Olympic Council of Malaysia to use the field, and the rally could damage the facilities there.

"If we allow it, with the attendance of tens of thousands of rally participants from 11am to 6pm, it could cause damage, and according to previous experience, DBKL was forced to fork out some RM100,000 to repair (damaged properties)," he added.

The gathering is the latest in the nationwide series to highlight alleged irregularities and fraud in the 13th general election of May 5, as well as to pressure for the resignation of the two top Election Commission (EC) officials.

NONE The organisers, comprising Pakatan and a number of NGOs, have insisted to use the field in the Kuala Lumpur city centre as the venue for Saturday's rally.

Pakatan yesterday announced seven assembly points in Kuala Lumpur for rally participants to gather before proceeding to Padang Merbok.

Deputy police chief Bakri Zinin ( above ) has warned of action against the rally participants.

PKR vice-president Tian Chua has said the ‘Black 505' rallies, which kicked off on May 8, will continue to be held nationwide until the top EC officials resign.

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