BERSIH ready to talk with police - Maria Chin

The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) is ready to hold talks with Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar on security issues during its proposed rally ‘Pesta Demokrasi Bersih 4’ which is scheduled to be held on August 29 and 30.

Its chairman, Maria Chin Abdullah said, it is important to have the security of the citizens and traffic in the city to be under control on that day.

“We have informed the police and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) regarding Bersih 4 and we are ready to discuss with Khalid on this issue.

“The application letter was sent on Monday and we are hoping for a prompt reply from the Inspector-General of Police,” she said during the press conference today.

Other than Kuala Lumpur, Bersih 4 rally is also scheduled to be held in Kuching, Sarawak and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Minister of the Federal Territories Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor had earlier said Bersih rallies will only cause chaos in the city.

He had stressed that the rally will ignite anger among citizens and the vendors in the city.

Meanwhile, Maria said Bersih had also decided to camp at Dataran Merdeka the night before their rally.

“We have also lined up many events, including civil education workshop, public discussion and cultural arts performance in addition to speech by the society leaders for the rally participants,” she said.

Other than that, a poster drawing competition and ‘selfie’ program will also be held to show support.

“We appreciate all campaigns initiated by the citizens, including posters, lights campaign, among others.”

“We also hope that this rally -- held as a celebration of democracy will go smooth according to the provisions of law,” she said.