Use ISA against Bersih rally organisers, says ex-elected reps

(Bernama) – The Malaysian Council of Ex-Elected Representatives (Mubarak) wants the police to use the Internal Security Act (ISA) against the organisers of the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) rally on July 9.

Its president Datuk Seri Aziz Abdul Rahman said on Friday, June 17 it was time for firmer action to be taken by the authorities against any form of activities that could jeopardise public interest and the country’s security.

“Although we realise that in present circumstances, the authorities may be hesitant to use the ISA to avoid portraying a negatives image of the country at the international level, we opine that public order and the security of the country cannot be substituted with the need to portray a good image,” he said in a statement.

Aziz said that no one could deny that the proposed rally, which would involve a huge crowd, could turn ugly and lead to a riot.

Hence, measures should be taken by the police to stop the rally, he added.