Hisham: Bersih T-shirt illegal

It is illegal to wear clothes related to illegal activities, Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein says.

As such, the detention of those wearing Bersih 2.0 T-shirts is justified, Hishammuddin (left) told reporters today.

"If the Bersih T-shirt is related to an illegal activity, then whatever they are wearing is illegal," he said.

To date, about 100 people have been hauled up for wearing the yellow Bersih 2.0 T-shirts, while those selling it have also been taken in for questioning.

Fourteen DAP and PKR members who were detained in Sungei Siput, Perak, this morning for wearing the T-shirt, were told that it “instigates people to attend the Bersih rally” planned for July 9 in Kuala Lumpur.

Noncommittal on crackdown

Hishammuddin, who was reluctant to answer questions on the rally, was noncommittal when asked about the police crackdown on activities relating to Bersih 2.0.

"We will wait until things develop. Like I said, the point person is the inspector-general of police... when it comes to enforcement. I have made this clear yesterday," he said.

Asked if the crackdown was politically motivated, Hishammuddin said: "On their part or our part?”

Laughing, he added: “I can ask (the opposition parties and activists) the same question."

The Bersih 2.0 rally involves a march to the Istana Negara to submit an eight-point memorandum on electoral reform to the King. The reforms demanded include the use of indelible ink and a 21-day campaign period.

Malay rights NGO Perkasa and Umno Youth have declared their intention to hold separate rallies on July 9.

None of the groups has been given a police permit. - Malaysiakini