Kuala Lumpur City Hall mayor Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz has squashed Bersih's plan to hold its rally at the iconic Dataran Merdeka.

Amin Nordin said this is because Dataran Merdeka will be used for preparations and rehearsals ahead of the Merdeka Day Parade, and Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah has agreed not to disrupt this.

Instead, the mayor said he was informed by Maria that participants will gather in the vicinity of Dataran Merdeka.

Furthermore, Amin ( photo ) said the nearby Padang Merbok where several past demonstrations had been held will also be off limits for the rally as it will be used by the armed forces for their logistics during the parade.

However, Amin said he had no problems with the rally itself, as long as its participants behave.

He told reporters this following a meeting this morning between DBKL, the police and representatives from the Bersih steering committee.

"We have no issues with this. It is not that we allow it, but we treat them as other city-dwellers.

"If they want to be on the streets, as long that they behave - meaning that they stay on the roadside and don't disturb the public or the street furniture, I think we can accept.

"But if they are disruptive, I think DBKL and the police will (act)… as long as they are not disruptive to the public or government property, the tolerance is there," he added.

Permit needed for tents, sleeping bags

He also warned that a permit from DBKL will be needed to set up any temporary structures including tents and sleeping bags, and action will be taken if such structures are erected without permit because it will block pedestrian traffic.

In addition, he said participants are urged not to disrupt a concert that will take place outside the Sogo shopping complex on Aug 29, which is one of the gathering points for Bersih 4 participants before moving towards Dataran Merdaka.

"If they want to set up tents, they will need permission […] Without permission, we would have to take action because it is blocking (traffic) […] That's why we didn't give permission.

"If anyone - members of the public - asks to set up a tent by the road, can he? Surely we won't allow it. It is the same with them," he said.

Asked if this also applies to sleeping bags, the mayor replied in the affirmative.

However, the mayor said there will be no additional road closures, apart from those already in place such as on Jalan Raja near Dataran Merdeka, which is in force every weekend.

Bersih previously called on participates to bring tents and sleeping bags to Dataran Merdeka to spend the night, and there will also be events held throughout the night.

Related reports

Najib: What 'failed state?' M’sia’s top of the class

Universal human rights not for us: PM

KL Mayor: Dataran Merdeka off limits for Bersih 4

Ahmad Awang named new Islamist party's adviser

Two career paths and what they tell of Umno

'No' to National Stadium for Bersih rally

S'wak polls after state budget in November?

'Rehashing' does not answer queries to 1MDB

Bending the law in Bolehland

We have the potential to become a failed state

Kit Siang's Sept 16 hope for new Pakatan

Najib now seeks help from retirees

Ku Li: I'm not that 'old man' in topple plot

Who’s mystery man behind the ‘donation’?

Much to probe from minister’s revelations

Thanks for confirming ‘charge sheet’ story

Dr M is right, cash is king for Najib

Bare all first, then we look at funding reform

EC holds hearing on 'dubious' voters

Wan Adnan, how ridiculous can you get?

 

 

Related reports

If you behave, we've no issues: DBKL to Bersih 4.0

'No' to National Stadium for Bersih rally

S'wak polls after state budget in November?

'Rehashing' does not answer queries to 1MDB

Bending the law in Bolehland

We have the potential to become a failed state

Kit Siang's Sept 16 hope for new Pakatan

Najib now seeks help from retirees

Ku Li: I'm not that 'old man' in topple plot

Who’s mystery man behind the ‘donation’?

Much to probe from minister’s revelations

Thanks for confirming ‘charge sheet’ story

Dr M is right, cash is king for Najib

Bare all first, then we look at funding reform

EC holds hearing on 'dubious' voters

Wan Adnan, how ridiculous can you get?