Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar assured he will not let the pro-BN Red Shirts clash with Bersih 5 protestors.

"We will not allow such a clash to occur. Whatever the case we will have to look at their notice to us. We will take action when the time comes," he said.

Khalid was commenting on Himpunan Merah leaders’ threats to stalk Bersih activists during their roadshow in October and face off against the yellow-clad protestors during the Nov 19 rally.

Commenting further, Khalid (photo) said that per existing laws, police will facilitate and allow peaceful rallies, but not if they are designed to topple the national leadership.

IGP said groups that want to organise peaceful rallies or demonstrations must send in their notice, as per current laws, to the police within the stipulated ten-day period so that they can make preparations.

"We will not object as long as the gathering is allowed by the laws and the constitution. But any gathering aimed at toppling national leaders is expressly not allowed.

"The Peaceful Assembly Act is a law that enables peaceful assemblies, and we are the ones that must facilitate such assemblies.

"So give us ten days to help plan the rally so that it can proceed peacefully," Khalid told a press conference in Putrajaya today.

The Nov 19 rally in Kuala Lumpur is to demand for clean government, clean election, strengthening of parliamentary democracy, empowerment of Sabah and Sarawak and the right to dissent.

The Bersih 4 rally last year attracted more than 100,000 people, and among others called for the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak amid corruption allegations.

Najib has consistently denied abusing public funds.