Gathering will continue at Stadium Merdeka, despite ban on 91 individuals

Gathering will continue at Stadium Merdeka, despite ban on 91 individuals

STATEMENT: Bersih 2.0 is disappointed with the decision by the authorities to ban 91 individuals, including leaders of BERSIH 2.0, civil society and political parties, from being physically present in certain parts of Kuala Lumpur on 9 July 2011.

Bersih 2.0 is disappointed with the decision by the authorities to ban 91 individuals, including leaders of BERSIH 2.0, civil society and political parties, from being physically present in certain parts of Kuala Lumpur on 9 July 2011.

This constitutes an unwarranted denial of their freedom of movement. The powers that be seem to have forgotten that our capital city, like the rest of our beloved country, belongs to all the rakyat, and not to the government.

There is no reason whatsoever to ban anyone from entering the city. We have stated time and again that where BERSIH 2.0 is concerned, our only intent is to exercise our constitutional right to gather peacefully and call for clean and fair elections.

We abhor and denounce any form of non-peaceful activism, and fully intend to abide by all principles of decency and civil behaviour. The government also completely fails to understand that Bersih 2.0 is not about any individual, but about free and fair elections.

No matter how badly we are repressed or prosecuted, the peaceful voice of the rakyat will be heard in Kuala Lumpur come the 9th of July.

It is not too late for the Prime Minister to act in a statesmanlike manner and immediately call off this completely unwarranted clampdown that fits the style of dictators. Working together with Bersih 2.0 will ensure a peaceful rally in Stadium Merdeka, and a win-win situation for all.

Regardless of whether or not the government chooses to be reasonable, the rakyat is firmly resolved to ensure that their rights as patriotic Malaysians will not be curtailed. We will gather peacefully and look forward to seeing you at Stadium Merdeka.