LAHAD DATU: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) may or may not agree with the manner Bersih puts forward their demands or the substance of their demands, but the party respects their right of expressing themselves.
LDP president Datuk Teo Chee Kang said the state government had offered Penampang Stadium to Bersih 4.0 for their gathering yesterday but was rejected by the organizer.
“The state government is not banning Bersih but merely feels that Penampang Stadium is the more suitable venue.
“There is no plot to confuse the organizer and participants as alleged.
“In fact, in order to make the venue available, the government cancelled earlier bookings to give way to Bersih,” he said when officiating at LDP Lahad Datu annual divisional conference here yesterday.
However, just like any booking of venues managed by the local authorities, the organizer must formally apply and pay the prescribed rental, Teo said.
“Had they done so, they would have gotten the venue.
“As far as LDP is concerned, we may or may not agree with the manner Bersih puts forward their demands or the substance of their demands, but we respect their right of expressing themselves.”
Teo, who is also the Minister of Special Tasks, expressed the party’s worry and anger over the anti-Bersih or the ‘red shirt’ group which threatened to go to the streets with parangs, and also circulation in the social media that threatens to cause bloodshed to Chinese who participate in Bersih rally.
“Obviously there are hidden hands who orchestrated such moves with the purpose of creating fear and inciting racial conflict.
“LDP wants the authority to investigate, arrest the culprits to put a stop to such madness,” he urged.
Teo also reminded the police and enforcement team to handle the participants with utmost professionalism.
“Should there be any in the crowd who becomes a threat to peace and order, please single them out; others who join the rally must be given protection from harm as they are also fellow Malaysians.”
Also present were LDP organizing secretary Peter Chong and Lahad Datu division chairman Major Chong Su Vun.