The majority of Malaysians who choose not to join street demonstrations show that they’d rather express their sense of patriotism in a different manner.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Nur Jazlan Mohamed said this in regard to the plan by the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) to hold a rally in the nation’s capital end of this month.

“Even if you want to have a demonstration, let it be by the rules. I believe Malaysians have their own ways in showing their patriotism. Not joining the Bersih rally doesn't make a person any less patriotic.

“Just because a small group of people want to rally and claim to do it in the interest of democracy, does this mean the millions of rakyat who don’t join them are not patriotic?” he asked when met by reporters after the National Hero Service Award ceremony concluded at the Dewan Perdana Felda here today.

At the event, 148 officers and ex-officers of the Royal Malaysian Police received the prestigious award.

Nur Jazlan said appreciating the services and sacrifices of police officers who fought the Communist during the Emergency was more patriotic.

“A street demonstration is not the best way to express a person’s patriotism towards his country,” he added.

The police until now have yet to allow Bersih 2.0 to utilise the vicinity around Dataran Merdeka to hold their ‘Bersih 4.0’ rally, as the location is being prepped for the upcoming Merdeka Day celebration on Aug 31.

Nur Jazlan stressed that the rally organisers should respect the police because the police are responsible for the public’s safety and security, and their duties are empowered by the Constitution.