Is Bersih 4’s timing appropriate, asks Najib

Datuk Seri Najib Razak questions whether Bersih 4's timing and venue are appropriate, saying that it clashes with Merdeka Day preparations. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Najjua Zulkefli, August 28, 2015.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has urged Malaysians to reconsider whether the Bersih 4 rally's venue and timing are appropriate, given that it will clash with the Merdeka Day preparations.

Although he did not mention Bersih specifically, he wrote on his blog today that a rally has been planned for this weekend, the same time and place preparations are being done for Merdeka Day.

"Is it right for the rally to go on at a time and place so close to our Merdeka Day? Think about it," Najib said in an audio recording uploaded on his blog today.

He said many had worked hard for this year's celebrations, from the national heroes that had fought for the country's independence to the schools participating in the parades.

He added that Merdeka Day was a time for Malaysians to set aside their differences and celebrate the country's independence with love and patriotism.

"Even if you want to rally, choose a time and location that is not provocative. No matter our differences in opinion or understanding, Merdeka Day should not be a platform for political clashes."

The Bersih 4 rally, which has been declared illegal by the police, is taking place this weekend in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu as well as major cities around the world.

The rally, organised by electoral reform group Bersih 2.0, is pressing for institutional reforms, the freedom to protest, measures to save the economy and a clean government and political system.

Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah said the rally would be akin to a vote of no-confidence against Najib, who is under pressure to account for alleged scandals involving his brainchild 1Malaysia Development Berhad and RM2.6 billion deposited into his personal accounts.

- TMI