We shall meet in Dataran, come what may

YOURSAY 'Be firm. Stick to Dataran. If it is sealed off, flood the streets of KL with a sea of yellow. People power shall triumph.'

Ambiga: Why offer alternative at eleventh hour?

Onyourtoes: We all know from the beginning Bersih's rally was never a security issue. It has also nothing to do with whether Stadium Merdeka or Dataran are available or suitable.

It is all about arrogance, intransigence and wanting to push others to the limit. Since when must "showing displeasure" to a regime be done within the confine of a place?

The whole purpose of any rally or assembly is to show to the world the issue at hand. We should not be pushed around like a herd of cows.

Dataran is owned by the people, it is the job of this hapless servant, Kuala Lumpur mayor Ahmad Fuad Ismail, to make sure the place is properly maintained before and after the rally.

It is his job to make sure sufficient facilities like water fountains and toilets are provided. That is your job, Fuad.

If we do not stand firm, the next time they may ask us to gather at Taman Negara. Please don't think this is far-fetched.

Kim Quek: Fuad has limited discretion. He can't reject an event as important and as meaningful as the Bersih 3.0 rally without a valid reason; and so far he has only given excuses; none is a valid reason.

Dataran Merdeka is public property and DBKL is only the manager, not the owner. Fuad can only reject at his whims and fancy if Dataran is privately owned. His present intransigence is considered an abuse of power and hence a breach of law.

Everyone knows that Umno is playing a game with Bersih, through Fuad and possibly the police. We had fallen victim to Umno's deceit last time. We can't be sure this is not another trap this time.

Be firm. Stick to Dataran. If it is sealed off, flood the streets of KL with a sea of yellow. The people are solidly backing Bersih. People power will triumph.

Harmandar Singh: DBKL is responsible for public health and sanitation, waste removal and management, town planning, environmental protection and building control, social and economic development and general maintenance functions of urban infrastructure.

But in this case, Ahmad Fuad is exercising his executive power as the mayor in the City Hall on orders of the federal territories minister, who appointed him for three years.

This means he may also be a lawmaker and has his own Jabatan Undang-Undang & Pendakwaan (Legal & Prosecution Department).

Act 190 of the Federal Capital Act 1960 - Power of FT Minister to issue directions:

13. (1) The Minister may from time to time give the Mayor directions not inconsistent with this Act, on the policy to be followed in the exercise of the powers conferred and the duties imposed on the Commissioner by or under this Act in relation to matters which appear to him to affect the interests of the City, and the Mayor shall as soon as possible give effect to all such directions.

There you have it!

Black Mamba: The current spokesman of BN so happen is the mayor of KL this time. He is being made the scapegoat should things turn awry on Bersih 3.0.

The BN politicians are hiding behind his back. Whatever it is, he has given the impression that he isn't sincere in giving the permission for the use of any of City Hall venues.

The last-minute offer of an alternative site tantamount to sowing confusion among the protestors. If he had been accommodating earlier, such confusion wouldn't have taken place.

This is similar to Bersih 2.0 when the PM, PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) and Home Ministry gave contradicting statements culminating into perfect disorder, confusion was all over the city resulting into a game of hide-and-seek with the FRU (riot police) in the streets of Kuala Lumpur.

This isn't neccessary. Police personnel can walk alongside the protestors instead of beating down at them as they aren't criminals on the run, but civilians marching in support of a democratic cause.

Rahman Prophecy: Never mind Bersih co-coordinator S Ambiga, we can assemble even at the eleventh hour. The verdant Bukit Nanas is a nice place for a sit-in.

There is a wonderful stretch on the same side as the iconic AIA building, in front of Dang Wangi (Campbell) Road junction. It is near the monorail and LRT stations.

It is central and people from all around can peacefully assemble there. Let us co-operate with a not-so-intelligent DBKL as their hands are tied by the extremely scared government.

Our war is with EC, not DBKL.

Mushiro: Fuad is a puppet who has to act to please his masters. He wants to confuse and make it difficult for Bersih supporters.

If Fuad can think rationally, what is wrong with having the sit-in at Dataran Merdeka? His argument that this is not a national event does not hold water as many private companies also hold their functions there.

Quigonbond: There is no assurance that DBKL will actually permit Merdeka Stadium to be used in the end.

Given the insincerity and the runaround the last time, I wouldn't be surprised if some other authority steps in to say no to Merdeka Stadium. - Malaysiakini