IGP: No ‘Bersih’ this July 9

(Malaysia Digest) – Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said any application for permit applied under the name Bersih will be rejected by them.

“If they apply it under the name of Bersih, then we will reject the application as it is an unregistered organization,” said the IGP.

However, Ismail met with Bersih chairman Datuk S. Ambiga earlier and had discussed about the terms and conditions in holding a gathering as they are still allowed to hold a gathering this 9 July but told that the gathering cannot be something that represents or promotes Bersih.

He said if any individual or group found to be holding a gathering that represents Bersih this 9 July, then the police will take the necessary actions towards them.

In a press conference at the Bukit Aman police headquarters today, Ismail had reminded the organizers for the gathering to follow the law that relates to gatherings, meetings and rallies.

“This is important in for the well-being of the people and the community that loves peace and harmony,” he said.

Regarding the permit, Ismail told that the organizers must apply to the police first and obtain its approval from the county police chief before proceeding to any event.

The application will then be evaluated with consideration regarding its safety or anything that could disturb the peace before, during and after the gathering.

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein asserted that the Bersih 2.0 movement is subject to legal action as it is still deemed illegal.

He said that the government’s position has not changed although the Agong had granted an audience to Bersih 2.0’s leaders yesterday.

According to him, the organization is still banned and that nobody can put themselves over the law just because they had met with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.