Saturday, July 2, 2011

Not Right to take to the Streets


KUALA LUMPUR - The proposed Bersih 2.0 rally would only serve as a loss to the country and people, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.

He said taking to the streets was not the answer to the issues Bersih had raised.

"The demonstration should be held at a proper place, like inside a hall. Taking it to the streets is not the answer," he said after launching the Malaysian Press Photographers Association (MPPA) yesterday.

Dr Mahathir, who is also the patron for MPPA, said it was up to the government whether or not to prosecute the Bersih organisers under the Internal Security Act.

Meanwhile, Bernama reports that the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCIM) has urged Bersih, Umno Youth and Perkasa to call off the rallies planned on July 9, as they could create instability and affect the economy and tourism.

In a statement yesterday, ACCIM also urged the Election Commission to hold dialogues and exchange views with Bersih in order to improve the election system.

"We also appeal to Umno Youth and Perkasa not to hold counter-rallies on the same day.

"If the three parties proceed to hold the rallies, they may result in conflicts and chaos," it said.