Bersih to try Stadium Merdeka booking again

With less than 48 hours to the July 9 rally, Bersih 2.0 chairperson S Ambiga (below, right) said the coalition will try again to book Stadium Merdeka and apply for a police permit should the stadium management approve.

This was the message conveyed to inspector general of police Ismail Omar at a meeting held this afternoon at the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman.

Also at the hour-long meeting with the IGP were Bersih steering committee members Wong Chin Huat (middle in photo) and Haris Ibrahim and national laureate A Samad Said (above, far left).

Speaking to reporters after emerging from the hour-long discussion, Ambiga said Bersih's efforts prove that the coalition of groups lobbying for clean and fair elections is willing to work with the police to ensure the rally runs smoothly and peacefully.

This is despite there being no obligation to apply for the police permit, she added.

When approached by reporters before the start of the meeting at 2pm, Wong said the meeting was arranged after the group had made a formal request to the police.

Speaking to reporters before going in, Wong said they will be informing the police officially about the rally Bersih is holding this Saturday.

[More to follow]