Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said that the ministry was consistent in its dealing with any gatherings organised by any parties, which was to prioritise public safety.

Commenting on plans of a Bersih assembly at the same time as the national-level Merdeka Day celebrations on Aug 31, Hishammuddin said such an intention and motive was questionable, with the main issue being whether the organisers could be trusted to keep their word of a peaceful event.  

“I’m only looking at it from the context of national security and the Bersih 3.0 is a lesson that such gatherings do not proceed as promised.  

“The important issue now is whether we can trust their promises and that’s not something for me to determine,” he told reporters after breaking fast at the ministry in Putrajaya today.   

He said the organisers would still need to go through the normal process and seek approval from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

Meanwhile, Percetakan Nasional Malaysia Berhad presented a RM405,366.58 business tithe to the Federal Territory Tithe Centre at the function.   

The company presented an additional RM50,000 to the ministry’s club, to be distributed to orphans and the needy.

- Bernama