Electoral reform coalition Bersih has opened its arms to members of the police and the civil service to join the mega rally on on Aug 29 and 30 for the sake of saving the country and its economy.

"We understand the dilemma that is facing the police, the civil service, Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) officers and all the government supporters with today's situation.

"We, with a humble heart, urge you all to weigh all that is happening (to the country) wisely, and make the decision to join your fellow Malaysian citizens who are prepared to come out for Bersih 4," Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah said today.

She was responding to inspector-general of police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar's call for the rally to be held at a stadium instead of the streets of Kuala Lumpur and accusation that Bersih wanted to " topple the government ".

She said the IGP has thrown up many questions about Bersih 4 but has not acceded the organisers' request to meet with him but had instead delegated it to the Dang Wangi district police chief.

"Therefore it is unfair for the IGP to make all sorts of allegations before meeting and discussing with the Bersih steering committee.

"We have nothing to hide. Our desire and aim for Bersih 4 have been widely reported in the media and through our statements on the Internet," said Chin.

Spend time on PM charge sheet

Instead of worrying about Bersih 4, she said the police should concentrate its efforts on "more important matters" such as the revelations made by BN communications director Abdul Rahman Dahlan in The Star yesterday regarding the prime minister's charge sheet .

Yesterday Abdul Rahman told The Star that Prime Minister Najib Razak had to act to preempt the alleged charge sheet, which the government had earlier denied existed.

"It is an admission that is very significant in the series of investigations into the scandal of the funds that were transferred into the prime minister's private accounts," said Chin.

She reminded the IGP that Bersih rallies are peaceful and do not aim to create chaos.

"Chaos only arises when the authorities try to disperse the rally with use of force and tear gas," said Chin.

She said the IGP should act wisely and judge the mood of the people at present.

"Any wrong move by the police, such as we have seen in the past three rallies, will only inflame the people's spirit to join the rally this time around," she said.

Closure for Grand Prix okay?

Meanwhile in a separate statement, the Bersih steering committee said the IGP's claim that the rally would disrupt traffic and business in the capital was "hilarious".

They noted that key streets in Kuala Lumpur were closed off for three days for the KL City Grand Prix on Aug 7 to 9 without any complaints from the police, the KL City Hall and the traders associations and residents.

The committee said in the past three Bersih rallies, business in the areas involved actually picked up and benefitted hotels, eateries and public transport.

"If national resources can be wasted on a car race lasting three days, why the need to get flustered over a peaceful assembly over two days held for the long term benefit of the nation?" asked Bersih.