Cancel Bersih 5 rally as conditions not fully met or face action, police warn

Cancel the planned Bersih 5.0 gathering as the conditions set under the law have not been fully met or face action, police have warned the rally organisers.

Federal police director of Internal Security and Public Order, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sabtu Osman said the notice given by the organisers of the Bersih rally planned for this weekend, had so far not met all the conditions under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

"Therefore, I am giving a warning to cancel (the rally) or police will take action," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after closing the 15th Karate Championship for the Inspector-General of Police Trophy held at the General Operations Force North Brigade Camp in Ulu Kinta, near here, Sunday.

He said police were ready with plans and strategies to avoid public order from being threatened if the Bersih 5.0 gathering were to go on next weekend.

Muhammad Sabtu advised the public not be take part in the rally or avoid being at the locations of the rally for their own safety.

"To me, this is nonsense, as there are many other channels through which to convey their demands. Why the need to cause disarray in the country?

"We will deploy every branch (of the police force) during the rally because we don't want any trouble and if can, we don't want to use water cannons and tear gas," he said.

Muhammad Sabtu said Kuala Lumpur police chief, Datuk Amar Singh Ishar Singh would be announcing the roads to be closed to traffic and the route diversions during the rally.

As for the karate championship, 21 contingents from across the country took part in it with the Police Training Centre (Pulapol), Kuala Lumpur contingent emerging as overall champion after winning eight gold, two silver and three bronze medals.

The Selangor contingent was runner-up with four gold, seven silver and 10 bronze medals, and the Sabah contingent in third place with four gold, five silver and two bronze medals. -- BERNAMA