The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) respects the decision by PAS not to join the Bersih 5 rally slated for Nov 19.

"We respect their decision and will still welcome them (if they change their mind)," Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah told Malaysiakini.

"In fact, PAS had expressed this to us even before we announced the rally," she disclosed, adding firmly that the rally's racial composition won't be affected.

Bersih launched its convoys on last Saturday to raise awareness for the rally. There will be seven convoys every weekend throughout the country, until the Nov 19 rally day.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said yesterday that the Islamic party, which was seen as good in mobilising protest crowds, had decided against joining Bersih 5.

Bersih 4 was criticised as being dominated by non-Malays, following the absence of PAS.

The coalition still working to encourage more Malay participation, but has not set a target on this, said Maria.

"Bersih remains focused on its demands and we want to raise awareness on them," she added.

On the matter of the incidents of violence against the Bersih convoy last weekend, Maria said Bersih will lodge a police report against red shirts leader Jamal Md Yunus, for allegedly punching Bersih convoy team members in Teluk Intan yesterday evening.