Seek owner's consent to use Dataran, Bersih told

De facto law minister Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz has asked the organisers of Bersih 3.0 to seek permission from the ‘owners' of Dataran Merdeka to hold their rally in the public square, which is located in the city centre.

"(Dataran) is not gazetted... that's why they should follow the (Peaceful Assembly) Act (and) apply to the police (for a permit).

"Dataran Merdeka, who owns it? Must talk to the owner," said Nazri, who added that he is unaware of who maintains the iconic spot, which is often used to host the Independence Day parade on Aug 31.

The upkeep of Dataran Merdeka is done by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), and according to previous news reports, the police have instructed rally organisers to write to DBKL for approval.

"While you have the right under Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA), it doesn't mean you can go to other people's land and do what you want.

"I can't do it in front or in your house, I need to ask you. So, this is the process they have to follow.

"Dataran Merdeka, I'm sure, has an owner. If the owner says okay, then okay lah. Don't have to ask the police, ask the owner," he added.

Hisham wants a suitable location

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussien had given the electoral reform coalition the green light to proceed with the rally planned for April 28.

However, he suggested that the organisers should talk to the police to determine suitable locations.

The ‘duduk bantah' (sit-in protest), was mooted after the Parliamentary Select Committee of Electoral Reforms failed to address key problems in the electoral system as highlighted by the coalition.

Another NGO coalition, Himpunan Hijau, plans to march to the venue from the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) park to join the Bersih protest.