Bersih 4 not cause of Merdeka countdown relocation, say organisers

The organisers of the Bersih 4 rally have denied that they had any role in the authorities' decision to move the Merdeka countdown concert tonight to the national stadium in Bukit Jalil. Bersih 2.0 chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah said they had only been informed of the decision by the Dang Wangi police, and promptly passed it to the media. "Bersih 2.0 had no part in making this decision. We were in fact prepared to share the Dataran Merdeka space with all peace loving Malaysians. "The decision to move the location of the Merdeka Eve celebrations was made entirely by the authorities," she said in a statement. She said the ongoing Bersih 4 rally will continue as planned in the vicinity of Dataran Merdeka, and promised that it would end before midnight. "As we approach the Grand Finale of Bersih 4, we reiterate our commitment to a peaceful gathering of Malaysians united for a better Malaysia. "There will be no breaking of barriers and we will also disperse before 12.00am," she said. Dang Wangi police chief ACP Zainol Samah has reportedly said that the concert was already scheduled to be held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium even before the Bersih 4 rally took place. It was reportedly done in light of "traffic considerations". However, the Merdeka Day parade will still be held in Dataran Merdeka tomorrow, police said. Meanwhile, national news agency Bernama reported today that the Bersih 4 rally had affected preparations for the celebrations tomorrow, as protesters obstructed entry routes to the area. Bersih 4 organisers said about 300,000 people had turned up for the second day of the rally and more are expected later tonight. – August 30, 2015.