Malaysia - Malaysia gives nod to poll reform rally

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's home minister on Tuesday said the government would allow a nationwide protest for electoral reforms but only at an "appropriate location."

Prime Minister Najib Razak's government -- expected to call elections soon -- crushed a similar rally last year, drawing national and international condemnation.

Home Minister Hishamuddin Hussein said Tuesday that activists organising this month's rally for electoral reforms should discuss with the police to find "an appropriate location so it will not affect the public."

"The government does not look at it as a security issue. We are allowing them to have it but be realistic in where, timing so that it doesn't affect the people at large," he told reporters.

Activist group Bersih 2.0 has said it plans to stage a peaceful sit-in at Independence Square in central Kuala Lumpur on April 28 to press for thorough reform of a poll system they claim is marred by fraud.

Among their demands is that the voter roll is cleaned thoroughly of irregularities and the Election Commission resigns amid allegations of bias towards the ruling coalition.

The group brought tens of thousands into the streets of the capital Kuala Lumpur last July. Police broke up that rally with tear gas and water cannon, arresting 1,600 people.

Following condemnation of the crackdown, Najib set up a bi-partisan parliamentary panel in October to study the demands.

The panel has suggested several changes to the poll system but Bersih 2.0 says they fall short of its demands.

Najib is expected to seek a fresh mandate soon though polls are only due next year.

The ruling coalition has governed Malaysia for more than five decades but an opposition alliance made unprecedented inroads in the last election in 2008.

- AFP/ck


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