Dataran Merdeka is for the people and does not belong to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBLK), says Bersih.

In response to questions that the venue is considered a heritage site and that the proposed Bersih 3.0 gathering there might damage it, coalition co-chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan ( below ) said it was public space and belonged to the people.

NONE Citing the fact that events were held at the venue weekly, she questioned why these concerns were only brought up with regard to Bersih’s planned event.

“Why is this excuse used only against us? This is public space, it belongs to the people. There should be few restrictions on the use of that space.”

On Wednesday, Bersih declared that it was adamant on Dataran Merdeka as the venue for its gathering to push for electoral reform.

Speaking to reporters after testifying at a Suhakam inquiry on the x use of tear gas against Bersih supporters by police on July 9 last year, Ambiga said Bersih has already promised a calm rally, with no commotion.

“We have promised it will be peaceful. If anybody tries to cause trouble or shows aggression, we ourselves will hand them over to the police. That’s how firm we are going to be in the manner that we conduct this,” she added.

Ambiga expects high turnout

In addition, Ambiga stressed, the organisers would plan routes to facilitate order and regulate the crowd as well, as opposed to rallying on the streets.

This was in response to concerns over how the police dealt with people attempting to walk to Dataran Merdeka in last year’s rally.

“How do you expect people to come to Dataran? By helicopter? They have to walk there, or they have to drive there. We are planning routes to Dataran Merdeka, but it is for the purpose of good order.”

Asked if Bersih was worried that last year’s high turnout was only due to government opposition, and that this year’s event might see less support, Ambiga was optimistic.

“I’m not worried. I’m not worried about the numbers turning up, I think there’s still a lot of interest, and I have full faith in the people,” she said.

VIDEO | 8.41 mins