Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has rejected electoral reform movement Bersih 2.0’s application to hold its #BERSIH4 mass gathering at Dataran Merdeka on August 29 and 30, and suggested that the demonstration be held at a later date.
KL Mayor Amin Nordin said Dataran Merdeka, and Bersih 2.0’s other applied venue Padang Merbok, were booked for other events related to the Merdeka Day celebrations on August 31.
“Dataran Merdeka and the area surrounding it will be used preparations for the Merdeka parade while Padang Merbuk will be used by the Armed Forces for the Merdeka preparations,” he said at a press conference today, after a meeting with Bersih 2.0 steering committee chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah.
However, Amin said that as Bersih 2.0 was adamant in proceeding with holding the gathering in Dataran Merdeka on its originally-announced dates, DBKL would have no choice but to treat #BERSIH4 participants as normal visitors to the landmark.
“This does not mean we are allowing the rally. But we will tolerate them as the usual crowd as long as they don’t destroy government properties and control themselves.”
“But, if they want to set up tents, then they need permission,” he added, as quoted by Astro Awani.
Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar urged Bersih 2.0 to shift the location of the gathering to the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Khalid noted that Dataran Merdeka and Padang Merbok were not suitable venues as they would be prepped for Merdeka Day celebrations.
