Umno-linked portal MyKMU.net has questioned the motive of Catholic churches to offer shelter for Bersih protesters.

The portal, which has vociferously defended Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, speculated that this may be an attempt to get the police to target places of worship when fleeing protesters enter these buildings.

"Later, it will convenient to blame police and the BN government for disturbing places of worship and freedom of religion, isn't it?

"It would be a hot election issue," MyKMU.net said.

It noted that the state election in Sarawak, which has a substantial Christian population, is around the corner.

"Christians make up almost the majority there and such issues are sensitive for them even though they are from different denominations," it said.

The pro-Najib portal likened this to the Bersih 2.0 rally in 2011 when protesters fleeing from police ran into a private hospital. Police were later accused of firing tear gas at the hospital.

"Now the organisers of Bersih dare to work with churches on the demonstration's places for sanctuary if police take action against their planned disturbances.

"This is too much. Investigation and action must be taken against them," it said.

Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah on Monday announced that three churches in the city have offered to open their doors for protesters to seek refuge if the need arises.

They are the Cathedral of St John in Bukit Nanas, the Church of St Anthony on Jalan Pudu and Church of our Lady of Fatima in Brickfields.