Traders: It’s the best solution possible for all parties

The Star

PETALING JAYA: Traders associations and groups have hailed the decision to hold the Bersih 2.0 rally in a stadium as the “best solution possible” for all.

They are also happy that Umno Youth and Perkasa have called off their planned counter-rallies following the King's call to all parties not to hold such gatherings.

Malaysia Chinese Traders Association president Datuk Ang Lai Hee said holding the event in a stadium was an excellent way for people to express their opinions in a peaceful manner.

Ang said it was good that the Government allowed people to voice their feelings in a controlled environment where the police could monitor security properly.

“The Government wins, the rakyat win and traders win. This is a very good thing,” he said yesterday.

Chow Kit Hawkers and Small Traders Association chairman Edwin Choosaid the decision was timely and a relief.

He said many traders had not been sure of whether to open for business on Saturday.

“Now, tourists won't be afraid to come. Our business can go on as usual,” he said.

Bar Council president Lim Chee Wee said all parties should consider the King's advice and “replace any sledgehammer in one's hand with an olive branch instead”.

Pakatan Rakyat is adopting an “open attitude” to the suggestion to hold the rally in a stadium.

In a joint statement, PAS, PKR and DAP said they were open to the idea as long as their right to assemble peacefully was respected.

“Pakatan wishes to stress that the demand for reforms in the electoral system to ensure it is clean, transparent and fair remains the main purpose of the assembly,” they said.

The statement was signed by PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar and DAP organising secretary Teresa Kok.

The three parties said they would cooperate with the police and other authorities to ensure the assembly was carried out in a proper and peaceful manner.

PAS thanked the King, saying it was pleased with his concern and attention as protector of the Constitution and the nation's sovereignty.

“His Majesty said a civilised society must negotiate to find a solution to the problem and not be emotional about it,” PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said.

Meanwhile, traders in Kuala Lumpur were delighted with the latest development.

“This is great news,” said Masniya Muhammad, 33, who runs a clothing stall in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

“It is a weight off our shoulders.”

Another trader in Jalan Masjid India, Mohd Ikhlas Ashfak, said he was thrilled because “we survive on business from tourists. They would be afraid to come to town if there was a rally.”

Ragavendra Ravee, 21, whose father owns a retail outlet here, said they had been worried the rally might turn violent.

It was a blessing that the street rally had been called off, he added.

Another shop owner, M.S. Kumar, 39, said it was good news and hoped there would not be anymore protests in the future.

“Malaysia is a blessed country. This (protest) is not our culture,” he said.