Cops looking for Bersih 4.0 organisers

KUCHING: Police are looking for individuals behind the Bersih 4.0 rally on Aug 29 in Kuala Lumpur and other cities nationwide.

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order department director SDCP Datuk Muhammad Fuad Abu Zarim said the police wish to hold a discussion with the organisers.

“If the organisers do it properly and by law, then the police will be helping to facilitate the rally properly,” he said during the General Operations Force (GOF) 11th Battalion's Hari Raya Open House 2015 yesterday.

He explained that the police do not want the business community and tourists in Kuala Lumpur to be affected by the demonstration, which could reflect badly on the country's reputation.

Fuad cited the Sogo shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur, which had sought police protection in order to conduct business as usual.

“Unfortunately those who want the demonstration do not think of such matters and this allows us to take some form of action,” he said adding no permission has been granted for the Aug 29 demonstration.

“But for the demonstration today (Saturday), the police from Dang Wangi police station had discussed with the event organiser. I believe the demonstration done today is peaceful as it is organised by law practitioners. They know the law,” he said.

Fuad pointed out the police did not forbid demonstrations unless they were not carried out according to the law.

“We do not want businesses, tourists and visitors to be trapped by such demonstrations that do not benefit the country,” he said.