Human rights watchdog Suaram has given the police the thumbs up over their conduct in handling the nationwide Bersih 5 convoy programme in recent weeks.

In a statement, Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy said that the police have a unique and crucial role in ensuring that the public could exercise their right to peaceful assembly.

"Their role in this is not only a responsibility not to restrict, but also the responsibility to facilitate any peaceful assembly.

"To this end, Suaram applauds the commendable support and assistance shown by the police force throughout the weeks and strongly support the neutral and impartial assistance to participants," said Sevan.