The home ministry will allow next week's Bersih rally and similar peaceful gatherings as they do not jeopardise national security.     

The minister, Hishammuddin Hussein, said the ministry's initial monitoring indicated that the Bersih assembly did not require excessive presence of the police, such as Federal Reserve Unit (FRU), as the rally was not a security threat.     

"Nevertheless, the FRU and other police units will always be ready," he told reporters at a gathering with Sembrong-born people in Bukit Kiara here today.     

On Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) decision not to allow the gathering to be held at Merdeka Square, Hishammuddin said the people should look at the rationale of the decision.     

"DBKL must surely have its own reasons in not allowing any rally to take place at the Merdeka Square, but it does not mean they cannot offer other places," he said.     

Hishammuddin said the ministry would not prevent the organisers to use Bukit Jalil Stadium or Merdeka Stadium as alternative venues for the assembly, adding that they needed to make an application to the administration of the two stadiums.     

Upbeat on Rela revival

Meanwhile, commenting on People Volunteer Corps (Rela) members who had been stripped of their power to carry firearms and arrest individuals without permit, the minister said it was aimed at making Rela relevant to the people and current situation.     

He said the public perception of Rela in previous incidents did not threaten or constrain Rela membership from continuing to increase.    

"Rela membership has now increased to 2.9 million and by the end of this month, it will increase to three million.     

"Rela's rebirth should be supported by all quarters to enable the corps to discharge its entrusted duties," added Hishammuddin.