By Shannon Teoh
KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 — The government insisted today Bersih's planned "sit-in" at Dataran Merdeka on April 28 is illegal despite its pledge to allow public gatherings according to international norms.
Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz (picture) told reporters in Parliament today the historic square, where the Malayan flag was hoisted for the first time after independence, is not a lawful gathering point under the recently passed Peaceful Assembly Act.
"Dataran Merdeka has not been gazetted as an area for peaceful gatherings," the de facto law minister said.
Election reforms movement Bersih confirmed today it will hold its third rally for free and fair elections on April 28.
Co-chairman Datuk A. Samad Said said “Bersih 3.0” was necessary to warn Malaysians that the country is about to face its “dirtiest” polls to date.
The 84-member coalition said it was disappointed by the parliamentary select committee on electoral reforms that was formed following the July 9, 2011 rally for free and fair elections which saw tens of thousands flood into the streets of the capital.
Datuk Seri Najib Razak's administration was widely condemned for a clampdown on the demonstration where police fired water cannon and tear gas into crowds in chaotic scenes which resulted in over 1,500 arrested, scores injured and the death of an ex-soldier.
The prime minister then announced a raft of reforms to give Malaysians more freedom including allowing public gatherings based on international norms while taking a firm stand against street demonstrations.
But the Peaceful Assembly Bill that was tabled in Parliament drew condemnation from the opposition and civil society for being more repressive than existing regulations.
Bersih chief Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan had said it was "shameful that Burma can propose a more democratic law," referring to Myanmar's military-dominated Parliament which passed a law last year allowing citizens to protest peacefully with five days notice, instead of the 10 required here.
The Act prohibits assemblies from being held at dams, reservoirs, water catchment areas, water treatment plants, electricity generating stations, petrol stations, hospitals, fire stations, airports, railways, land public transport terminals, ports, canals, docks, wharves, piers, bridges, marinas, places of worship and kindergartens and schools.