Posted on July 7, 2011, Thursday
PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said yesterday that Bersih remains an illegal organisation although its leaders were granted an audience by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on Tuesday.
He said the Registrar of Societies decided to declare Bersih an illegal organisation last Friday after receiving advice on the law from the Attorney General.
He told reporters here that Bersih would still require a permit although they had been allowed to hold a gathering in a stadium.
“Let them apply first. The process is for the police to consider the application. So, the quicker they apply, the quicker the police can process (and decide) on the place and time,” he said.
Bersih steering committee chairman Datuk S Ambiga said after the audience with the King that her group had decided to have the gathering inside a stadium.
Yesterday, Ambiga said that the organisers planned to hold the gathering in Merdeka Stadium, and gave an assurance of cooperation to ensure a peaceful event.
Asked why the government was willing to allow Bersih to hold the rally in a stadium, Hishammuddin said it was a matter of security.
He cautioned against irresponsible behaviour at the gathering.
“Those who said they want free and fair elections must prove they are responsible.
“They said before that they wanted to voice it (their views). Now we have given them space and opportunity at the stadium. So my advice to everybody is to just be responsible and work within the law,” he added. — Bernama
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