BERSIH

The Coalition for Clean and Fair Election (BERSIH) 2.0 is prepared to face any action by the authorities over its intention to hold a street rally on July 9.

BERSIH chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan questioned why the police were focusing on BERSIH 2.0 although the organiser had continued to assert that it would be held peacefully.

"It is the duty of all to preserve our right to assemble peacefully, as provided under the Federal Constitution. Malaysia is on the Human Right Council and what does it say for us when we show no regard for this fundamental right, especially when we, the citizens, are saying we will do it peacefully?" she said.

Barisan Nasional Youth chairman Khairy Jamaluddin on Friday also said he would proceed with the counter-rally against BERSIH 2.0, despite not getting police permit.

Khairy had assured that the counter-rally by UMNO Youth, MIC and the People's  Progressive Party's Youth, would also be held peacefully.

Khairy said he was expecting "tens of thousands" of people to join him in handing over a memorandum to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in support of democracy and  the role carried out by the Election Comission.

Their insistence came despite a call by acting city police chief Datuk Amar Singh urging the organiser of BERSIH 2.0 rally and the counter-rallies to call them off.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he hoped that the BN Youth leadership would call off the counter-rally.

"Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) has explained that the authorities have the right to act against those participating in illegal gatherings.

"I hope that the BN Youth leadership will do the right thing."

He said gathering such as BERSIH 2.0 should not be held as there already existed various processes and avenues through which the public could air their grouses.

He insisted that the gatherings were politically motivated.

He warn that the rallies would only result in negative consequnces that could tarnish the image of the nation.

"If there are any members of the public who symphatise with them(BERSIH), then they are betraying the struggles of the people who want to have peace and development in this country."