Bersih 2.0 chairperson Marina Chin Abdullah said she did not want Bersih 4.0 rally to end like Bersih 3.0 where several participants were assaulted. – The Malaysian Insider pic, August 13, 2015.In a brief meeting with the Dang Wangi police today, Bersih 4.0 organisers reminded the authority of its responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the participants.
Bersih 2.0 chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah said she told the Dang Wangi OCPD ACP Zainol Samah that she did not want Bersih 4.0 rally to end like Bersih 3.0 where several participants were assaulted.
"We said that police on duty should be in their uniform and wear a name tag and their staff numbers. We do not want violence," she said.
She added that the meeting with Zainol lasted about 20 minutes and the police did more listening than talking.
"The meeting was recorded and there were presence of Special Branch officers there. They told me that the conversation was taped and can be used in court," said Maria.
She said Zainol had also acknowledged the notice from Bersih 4.0 organiser to hold the rally.
"But we were told to fill up a form, an official notification that needed to be submitted soon," she said.
Maria said during the meeting she stressed that Bersih wanted the police to facilitate, provide safety and security during the 34 hour rally.
She said the issue of tear gas usage was also raised in the meeting.
"We also pledged security to participants but the main responsibility is with the police. We really want to cooperate with the police. We want it to be smooth," she said.
As for police concern that the rally could turn "seditious", Maria said that when there is talk about parliamentary democracy there is always talk of a change in government.
"We have to recognise that and we cannot stop people from chanting. Chanting is always part of a rally," she said.
Maria said she hoped that the police will not take action against the chanters.
"I really hope that they would not do that," she said.
Bersih 4.0 organisers are planning to hold a 34-hour rally in the city to push for institutional reform following the controversy surrounding debt-ridden 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
Deputy Inspector General of Police Datuk Seri Noor Rashid on Wednesday gave a "friendly advice" to the organisers to steer from any attempt to "encourage" the public to topple the government through illegal means.
He said police will have to intervene if the gathering turns seditious.
He reminded the rally organisers that violations could still happen although the right to assembly is allowed under the Federal Constitution. – August 13, 2015.
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