Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has urged election reforms pressure group Bersih to use the National Stadium for the Bersih 4 rally.

Khalid said that the stadium in Bukit Jalil was a suitable venue for a gathering of 100,000 people.

He said Dataran Merdeka and Padang Merbok in the heart of Kuala Lumpur was not suitable because the two venues would be used for the Merdeka Day celebration.

"Every year we celebrate Merdeka there. Why are they so insistent on doing it there on Aug 29 and 30? [...] It is as though Malaysia has no other (suitable) venues.

"They said 100,000 people will turn up. So the stadium is the best place for them. Surely they are not going to fit 100,000 people at Dataran Merdeka?" Khalid told reporters at Bukit Aman today.

He expressed hope that Bersih will be rational and practical in deciding on the rally venue.

The Bersih 4 rally was called following the removal of deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin from cabinet, the removal of Abdul Gani Patail as attorney-general and the elevation of four Public Accounts Committee members as either deputy ministers or cabinet minister.

Bersih argued that this series of events carried out in late July hampered the probe on 1MDB, which has been accused of links to funding efforts for BN's campaign during the 2013 general election.

No putsch please

Khalid also urged Bersih to not "topple" the government through street demonstrations.

"Bersih must be careful because they are no longer asking for free elections. They are wayward and aiming to topple the government.

"I would like to warn them: Not through street demonstrations. It is an offense and we will take preventive action.

"Don't think we will remain silent. We won't restrict freedom of expression but it must be done lawfully," he said.

On Bersih's notice to the police for the rally, Khalid said it was incomplete and added that the coalition had yet to obtain permission from venue owner.

"I was also told that they will meet the mayor tomorrow and ask for permission to use the venue. Bersih doesn't have to meet me. They have to meet the district police head because that's the law," he said.

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