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KUCHING: Any individuals attempting to gather for the Bersih 4 rally at Padang Merdeka from 2pm on Aug 29 to 11.50pm on Aug 30 will be arrested under Section 20 of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012. Kuching police chief ACP Roslan Bek Ahmad said his men can pick up any person without a warrant at the venue during that period as the state government has disallowed Bersih 4 organisers the use of Padang Merdeka for their gathering. “This is nothing personal because we act according to the Act. We do not arrest anyone just because we enjoy doing it. So please comply with the regulations,” he told a press conference yesterday. “We have informed the people the state government will not al low the Bersih 4.0 ral ly at Padang Merdeka, so people should not go there. Do not attend the rally at Padang Merdeka and get yourselves into trouble because it is against Section 15 of the Act.” He said the organisers had adhered to the regulations from the beginning as they notifi ed the authorities about the rally. “But there will be no point if they break any rules at the very last minute. They must comply with all regulations and we police will be there to facilitate,” he said, adding that those arrested could face a maximum fi ne of RM10,000. He said the authorities have suggested two alternative venues — the State Stadium and Padang Song Kheng Hai — for the organisers to hold the Bersih 4 gathering. “We believe there will not be any disturbance to the general public if the gathering is held at the stadium. More so, the gathering is from 2pm Aug 29 to 11.50pm Aug 30, and I expect them to set up tents at night for I honestly do not think they are going to sleep on their feet or standing,” he added. He said the organisers had responded positively during the meeting with police on Thursday, adding they had appealed to the state government to review the decision. As far as the pol ice are concerned, Roslan said they would act according to the state government’s directive. He explained that a peaceful assembly could be organised as stipulated under the Act, but would be denied if the owner declined to give permission to use a venue. According to organisers, some 1,000 people are expected at the rally. Roslan pointed out that organisers should call off the gathering and hold a meeting to come up with a memorandum or even write a petition instead of going ahead with it come Aug 29. “But if they insist on having the gathering, the organisers and the people have to comply with the regulations. We will take action against any infringement,” he said. On Wednesday, Roslan told reporters that in a letter dated Aug 14 the Chief Minister’s Office had stated its objection for Padang Merdeka to be used as a venue for the Bersih 4 rally, which would be held simultaneously in Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. He added the state government and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) , being owners of Padang Merdeka, had the right to deny organisers permission to use the venue.

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