Dataran Merdeka is out of bounds for supporters of both Umno-linked red-shirts and Bersih's yellow-shirts, Kuala Lumpur mayor Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz said today.

He told Malaysiakini that no approval has been given for the Nov 5 red-shirts rally by Umno Sungai Besar division chief Jamal Md Yunos or for the Bersih 5 on Nov 19.

“I read both the (application) letters this morning.

“No rallies (at Dataran Merdeka) will be allowed. Both (applications) are not approved,” Mohd Amin said when contacted.

Asked whether action would be taken under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 against organisers who insisted on gathering at Dataran Merdeka, Mhd Amin said DBKL and police officers would be stationed at the venue on both dates.

“Just like during the previous rallies,” he added.

Section 9(1) of the PAA makes it mandatory for organisers to attach a copy of approval obtained from the venue owner, together with their notice to hold a rally or gathering, submitted to the district police officer in charge at least 10-days before the date of the event.

Failure to do so is an offence punishable under Section 9(5) of the same Act, with a maximum fine of RM10,000.

Bersih chairperson Maria Chin had last week announced that the fifth instalment of the electoral reform coalition's rally would once again be held at Dataran Merdeka.

She also confirmed that participants would be marching to Dataran Merdeka from two gathering points, Dataran Maybank on Jalan Bangsar and Masjid Negara.

This is despite threats by Jamal, who has declared war against Bersih and vowed to lead his own supporters not only to clash with the ‘yellow-shirts’ on Nov 19 but to also hold his own rally this coming Saturday.