Ban on Bersih items stays

By Lee Shi-Lan, NST

KUALA LUMPUR: The ban on Bersih T-shirt and paraphenalia still stands.

Despite the government agreeing to the coalition to hold the rally in a stadium, supporters are banned from wearing the T-shirts.

“We will take action against anyone wearing or caught in possession of materials related to Bersih 2.0, including T-shirts and flyers.

“It is an offence to do so,” said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Khalid Abu Bakar.

“The coalition is still outlawed by the Registrar of Societies.”

Khalid also said they were still monitoring text messages urging the public to support rallies and gatherings on the streets.
He said police were also not discounting the possibility of violence erupting this Saturday following the recent discovery of weapons, including parang and molotov cocktails, in the city.

“That is why roadblocks have been mounted nationwide.

“We know they are causing a lot of inconvenience to motorists, but it has to be done in the interest of public safety and order,” Khalid said, urging Malaysians to be patient.

“State and district police chiefs have been advised to reevaluate the location of roadblocks, but we also have to think about public safety.”

Khalid also dismissed rumours that police would call in the army on Saturday, saying they were capable of controlling the situation and ensuring nothing got out of hand.