King intervenes, tells Putrajaya, Bersih 2.0 to hold talks

Bersih leadership being cheered on last month at an assembly.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, moved to defuse tension tonight, advising the Najib administration and Bersih 2.0 to hold consultations over the issue of free and fair elections.

The constitutional monarch rarely issues edicts or statements but the heightened atmosphere over the past week has prompted Istana Negara's intervention.

“I urge that amid the political fervour of a section of the people to bolster democracy in our country, it must also be ensured that this demand on democracy does not bring destruction to the country.,” the King said.

He added that the people “cannot be following too much the practices in other countries, as harmony and stability are vital foundations for a country and which all quarters must protect”.

“I also urge the government to carry out everything that is entrusted to it by the people in a just and wise manner, and it is important that I as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong do not want to see this country with a plural society in a situation where there is animosity among them or a section of the people being enemies with the government, on whatever grounds.

“When any problem arises, we as a civilised society must resolve it through consultations and not follow our emotions, as the Malay saying goes, “Yang Dikejar Tak Dapat Yang Dikendong Berciciran (Not getting what we chase and spilling what we carry),” Tuanku Mizan added.

He pointed out that street demonstrations bring more bad than good “although the original intention is good, saying that the people should focus on “our main objective to develop this country, and not create problems that will cause the country to lag behind”

“Remember that there is no land where the rain does not fall, there is no ocean that is not turbulent.

“That is how important moderation and compromise is, which has been long been in practice by our nation’s administration,” he said, expressing confidence that Datuk Seri Najib Razak can handle the issue.
The ruler’s unprecedented intervention tonight, could well leave Bersih 2.0 and its supporters from Pakatan Rakyat (PR), in a lurch, for going ahead with the rally can be seen as a direct affront to the palace.

At the same time, the King’s text, which is usually prepared by the government, could also be an indication that the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) government remains unsure if its strong arm tactics in attempting to stop Bersih’s march had successfully spooked the group into backing out.

To date, more than 100 people, including opposition politicians and civil society activists, have been detained in connection with Bersih 2.0’s rally while six have been placed under Emergency Ordinance (EO).

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has outlawed the loose coalition while Najib himself has openly defended the EO arrests and accused Bersih chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenavasan of having threatened Islam in the past.

Earlier today, six Johor DAP leaders were arrested during a gotong-royong exercise in Taman Pelangi as they were garbed in yellow shirts bearing the word “Bersih” on it.