'No' to route proposal

The New Straits Times

KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar yesterday rejected a proposal to use an alternative route for the Bersih 2.0 rally on July 9.

"I will not agree to this proposal because it will disrupt internal security and public order. There are many possibilities which could arise if the rally goes ahead."

Ismail told the New Straits Times that allowing the rally to go ahead, even with an alternative route, would not be in the best interest of the public as it could cause tension and chaos.

Bersih (Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections) 2.0 chairman Datuk S. Ambiga had earlier met with Ismail at the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman for a two-hour discussion where she had proposed that police map out a route for the rally.

"Bersih supporters will follow the route set by police, so we can assemble and go on our walk while the police can maintain peace and security," she said.

Ambiga met with Ismail in an attempt to reach a consensus on holding the rally and to discuss public safety. She said the meeting was cordial and had gone "very well".

Ambiga said another meeting with Ismail would be held next week and that the rally organisers had taken into account the possibility of provocateurs being present that day, attempting to stir violence among the participants.

"We will be providing around 5,000 marshals, who are trained in crowd control and security, to ensure the Bersih rally is conducted in an orderly manner," she said, adding that medical personnel would also be on stand-by.

She said the police should focus their energy on weeding out trouble-makers instead of trying to stop those practising their right to freedom of assembly.