Our rallies not a ‘black mark’ on nation’s history, says Bersih

[superadmin]

PETALING JAYA: The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) has denied claims that its rallies in the past caused “chaos and destruction” and were a “black mark” in the nation’s history.

It said that having a peaceful assembly is a fundamental right of all citizens guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, along with the right to freedom of speech, expression and to form associations.

“This freedom to protest without violence is enshrined in our supreme law because protests have played an integral part in our nation’s history to shape our destiny and bring pressure to bear on unjust laws and corrupt authorities,” Bersih said in a statement.

The electoral watchdog was responding to Johor ruler, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who yesterday voiced his displeasure at a suggestion for the people to organise street protests to pressure the government over the rising cost of living.

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