National Day rehearsal to continue as scheduled on August 29

The National Day rehearsal on August 29 at Dataran Merdeka will continue as scheduled despite the planned Bersih 4 rally the same day.

Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak however hopes that Bersih 4 organisers will respect the National Day celebration and hold the rally at a different location.

“We will continue with the full rehearsal on August 29. However we hope no disturbances would occur on the actual day as the National Day celebration is a celebration held and celebrated by all races in Malaysia without taking into account race, religion and political understandings.

“Bersih as the organiser should respect the National Day celebration. If they wish to hold a rally, they should find a different location as it is unsuitable to hold the rally there as Malaysians gather at Dataran Merdeka every year to celebrate National Day,” said Salleh when met by reporters after the launch of the 'iMalaysia App and Game' here.

He also surrendered it to the police to ensure the situation is under control on the day.

“We leave it to the police for any follow-up action. The police have stated that the rally organised by Bersih is illegal as the owner of the area which is the Kuala Lumpur City Hall had not given its permission to continue with the rally. So any rally and demonstration is considered illegal. I hope that the organisers will take all this into account,” said Salleh.

READ: Police deny taser gun use at Bersih 4.0 rally

The Bersih 4 rally is scheduled to be held for a duration of 34 hours on August 29 and 30 around Kuala Lumpur and Dataran Merdeka.

Simultaneously, a rehearsal parade will also be held in conjunction with National Day celebrations at Dataran Merdeka which includes the participation of thousands of students from all over the country.

READ: Road closures for National Day rehearsals, celebration