In the run up to Bersih 4 this weekend, the government has been discouraging people from participating due to a slew of reasons, including it will hurt businesses in the city.

Business operators nearby Dataran Merdeka where protesters will converge were less than enthusiastic about being put under the spotlight, but those who were willing to speak to the media concurred that their business may be affected.

Despite this, the operators told Malaysiakini they didn't mind if the massive rally affected them for a day or two.

A textile reseller on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, who only wanted to be known as Abdullah, said he expected the road in front of his shop to be sealed off, making it impossible for customers to visit.

However, Abdullah said he isn't worried about it as he is supportive of Bersih 4's cause.

"I am more afraid of what will happen if Bersih 4 doesn't take place, because we need to fight for our rights.

"If we don't, the next generation will suffer. We will become bankrupt and not democratic," said the 60-year-old businessman.

A stone's throw away, a 75-year-old sundry shop owner intents to keep the shutters open for the weekend.

Wanting to be known only as Sam, he expected a 30 percent drop in business.

"There will be no RapidKL buses going around this area and so no customers," he said.

However, Sam did not appear too troubled, pointing out that his business had suffered worse under the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) since April.

"People no longer have money because of GST, they have less disposable income, my goods are elastic. Even without Bersih, we are already losing money," he said.

However, some businesses appear to have benefitted from the Bersih 4.

A manager at Swiss Hotel which oversees Dataran Merdeka noted that there had been a slight increase in reservations in conjunction with the rally.

The manager, who declined to be named, said his hotel is normally fully booked on weekends but suspects that this time many of them were Bersih participants.

"When people book with us, we ask if they plan to be involved in Bersih. They usually say 'No', but I’m not sure if that’s the truth," he said.

Ahead of Bersih 4, the manager said his hotel will take precautionary measures.

He said this was to avoid a repeat of the Bersih 3 incident where plainclothes police officers barged into the hotel lobby, beating up some of its customers.

"We are taking precautions this time by locking the doors as soon as trouble starts.

"Nobody will be able to get in or out except for customers and staff," he said.

KALPANA M is an intern with Malaysiakini.

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