Bersih to meet cops at 1pm over planned rally tomorrow

Bersih is set to meet the police at the Dang Wangi district headquarters at 1pm over its planned march on Parliament tomorrow to submit a memorandum calling for reforms.

This came after Kuala Lumpur police chief Allaudeen Abdul Majid said there was no notice filed to inform the authorities about the demonstration as per the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA).

Bersih chairperson Faisal Aziz told Malaysiakini that his group intends to give full cooperation to the police.

"Handing over memorandums is a customary practice in democratic nations, including Malaysia. Additionally, the police have previously assisted in facilitating such processes even without notice given.

"What adds to our surprise is that this statement comes under a reformist government.

"Nevertheless, we intend to deliver the notice to the Dang Wangi district police headquarters around 1pm as planned," it said in a statement this morning.

Yesterday, Allaudeen advised the public not to join any rally that violates the law.

"Stern action will be taken according to existing laws," he said in a statement.

‘Respect our rights’

The electoral watchdog is calling for term limits for the prime minister, enhanced whistleblower protection, and a review of the Sedition Act.

"We will ensure that the police understand and respect our rights. Both parties need to work together as equal partners to ensure the public safety and smooth running of the event tomorrow.

"It's crucial to remind both the government and the police that our rights to peaceful assembly are protected under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

"The role of government and the police is to ensure that the rakyat can exercise our constitutional rights freely and peacefully. There should be no state-imposed restrictions on the event scheduled for tomorrow (morning)," Bersih added.

The group said the ultimate goal of tomorrow's action is to urge the government to fulfil its promises and implement 100 percent reform.

The government must demonstrate its commitment by providing clear roadmaps and timelines outlining the direction of electoral and institutional reforms, it added.

"We will provide an update on the Bersih social media channels later regarding this matter."

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