Malacca and Johor Catholic Diocese Bishop Bernard Paul, who came under fire for urging people via Facebook to join the Bersih 5 rally, has vowed to be among the participants on Nov 19.

The bishop in fact had joined the Bersih 4 last year in Penang in his personal capacity.

"I am intending to (join the Bersih 5 rally), I have to take up my commitments," he told Malaysiakini.

The clergyman in his official capacity took to Facebook to encourage people to take part in the rally.

"I am a public figure now and things go differently. As a leader of my churches, I speak for my people," said Bernard, who was appointed the regional bishop early this year.

"All Malaysians who say that they love the tanahair, must claim it back from destructive leaders and institutions who love the wealth of the nation. Do not let them violate the land of our birth," he said in a statement posted on the Malacca and Johor Catholic Diocese Bishop Facebook page.