Bersih adamant on holding rally at Dataran

Despite the police and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) having barred the usage of the iconic Dataran Merdeka, Bersih is adamant on holding its protest there on Saturday.

“No other venue located outside of central KL can offer similar convenience,” the two co-chairpersons said in a joint statement.

Ambiga Sreenevasan said that, between now and Saturday, Bersih will keep negotiating with the police and DBKL to be given access to the square.

A Samad Said reiterated that the venue will not be changed, as it is a strategic one and is accessible by various means of public transportation such are light rail transit, KTM Komuter and buses.

Ambiga said Bersih is disappointed that the organisers are being given the run-around despite assurances by Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein that the coalition for clean and fair elections is not a threat.

"Yes we are extremely disappointed that DBKL does not allow us to gather at Dataran Merdeka, (when) other events (have been) held there in the past.

"DBKL had given us an alternative venue (at its) Cheras and Titiwangsa stadiums. One of these is located in the residential area.

'We do not know whether they are sincere but after consulting with the rest of the NGOs comprising Bersih we have decided yesterday to stick to Dataran Merdeka."

She said there is too little time to shift the venue and that, even if there is a clampdown or not, the sit-in will be held there.

[More to follow]