Police warn Bersih 4.0 organiser, still no go for rally at Dataran Merdeka

Dang Wangi district police chief, ACP Zainol Samah said until now, the organisers have not obtained any permission from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to hold the rally at the location.

"The rally is against the Peaceful Assembly Act 2010 (Act 736). PDRM prohibits Bersih from organising a rally at Dataran Merdeka as Merdeka Day celebration rehearsals will be held between August 26 and 31,” said Zainol, at a press conference at Dang Wangi district police headquarters, here after meeting Bersih 2.0 chairperson, Maria Chin Abdullah.

He stressed that Bersih 4.0 is deemed illegal if the rally continues at the location not allowed by the relevant authorities.

“I shall explain here that the assembly is not in accordance with the laws. Therefore, the organisers did not obtain any permission from the location’s owner according to Section 11 of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012. This assembly is illegal,” he said.

Zainol added that the organisers should understand the situation as DBKL had rejected the proposed locations right from word 'go'.

The police also warned the organisers of Bersih 4.0 not to involve children in the assembly because it violates the Peaceful Assembly Act 2010.

“The police would like to remind (the organiser) for children not to be involved in the rally because it violates the current law, namely under Section 20 of the Peace Assembly Act 2010,” said Zainol.

He added that the police will enhance their monitoring and control should the Bersih 4.0 Rally continues as planned.

The Bersih 4.0 rally is scheduled to be held for a duration of 34 hours on August 29 and 30 around Kuala Lumpur and Dataran Merdeka.