Bersih: We compromised, cops should too

Election reforms coalition Bersih 2.0 has urged the federal government to stop its widening crackdown against supporters, now that it has agreed to a compromise over the rally.

Bersih 2.0 chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan said that, since the movement has “taken a step back” by agreeing to the government proposal to hold the rally in a stadium instead of on the streets, the police should stand down as well.

"We will feel very shortchanged if the government goes against (its) words and it is one of the things that we will (convey) to the prime minister.

"It is not just we who are shortchanged, it is the rakyat who are completely shortchanged, Because we acted in good faith, we expect good faith."

Flanked by some 20 members of the Bersih 2.0 steering committee, Ambiga called a press conference this morning at Kuala Lumpur-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.

Yesterday, the Agong had granted an audience to Bersih 2.0 leaders where the rally was discussed. Following this, Ambiga announced that the movement had agreed to move the rally to a stadium.

Welcoming the decision, Najib had said that his administration is now willing to meet Bersih 2.0 to discuss details.

The coalition had written a letter to Najib and hopes to meet the premier as early as today, said Ambiga.

'Horrified' over crackdown

She said she is confused about the continuing crackdown against Bersih 2.0, and assumes that the police have not received the 'ceasefire order'.

"We are actually rather horrified. Despite the statement that His Majesty issued, these arrests continue. We don't see how that fits in with the His Majesty's statement. We are really very surprised.

"I don't understand... the government has said we can have rally in the stadium, (so) it doesn't make sense to me.

"On one hand the government agreed that we can proceed in the stadium, but on the other hand these crackdowns are taking place. I don't think it make sense to anyone."

Asked if the Agong had guaranteed that the government will accept Bersih's demands, Ambiga did not provide a direct answer. She said the movement would discuss its demands with the premier.

"I think we need to deal with the government on that... That is why we want to meet with the prime minister as soon as possible,” she said.

[More to follow]