Bersih 2.0 today obtained leave (permission) to challenge the Home Ministry's ban on the Bersih 4 yellow T-shirts just before the Aug 29 and 30 rallies.

The leave was granted by Shah Alam High Court judge Justice Azimah Omar.

When leave is obtained, (it means) the court finds that Bersih's application is not frivolous and vexatious, lawyer New Sin Yew, who is also Bersih steering committee member, said.

Following this, the case will be heard on its merits. New appeared for Bersih while senior federal counsel Maisarah Jauhari appeared for the Home Ministry and government.

Bersih through its chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah, steering committee members Masjaliza Hamzah and Fadiah Nadwa Fikri had filed the judicial review application last month as the ban had 'branded as criminals' thousands of Malaysians they said had the right to own Bersih 4 T-shirts and pamphlets.

The ban is not limited only to tee-shirts but also any other material with the words 'Bersih 4' printed on it.

They are seeking an order to quash the Home Ministry's order issued two days before the rally on Aug 2 or alternatively a declaration that the order under the Publication and Printing Presses Order is null and void.

Bersih is also seeking a declaration that Malaysians have the right to print, distribute, sell or possess any printed material with the words 'Bersih 4'.

The two-day rally was held to call for a free and fair elections and also to pressure Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to step down.

Many affected

New told Malaysiakini that they will apply for the case to be heard as quickly as possible as Bersih recognised that many people were affected by the ban nationwide.

“Police should also halt their investigations on people possessing or wearing the T-shirts until the court reaches a decision on the case,” he said.

Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali and PKR’s Batu MP Tian Chua are among those who are under investigation for wearing the T-shirts.