KUALA LUMPUR: Organisers of this weekend’s Bersih 4 rally have been advised to postpone the street demonstration in light of the global economic downturn and sliding of the ringgit.
In a series of tweets today, Barisan Nasional strategic communications director Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan said the planned rally may adversely affect the country’s economy.
“We are facing global economic crisis and clearly Bersih 4 organisers don't care about the best interest of us Malaysians.
“I urge Bersih 4 to postpone its demo. It will bring more harm to us than benefit, especially to the economy that Bersih wants to protect,” Abdul Rahman said.
The Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government minister warned that Malaysians would bear the full brunt of the rally’s negative impacts.
“The immediate victim of Bersih4 massive demo will be the economy. Then you - as ordinary Malaysians. Then, the politicians. In that order!
“The Bersih 4 timing is bad. Malaysians are losing billions and jobs. Don't stoke the economic fire even more. Be responsible. Postpone it,” he tweeted.
The Kota Belud Member of Parliament also said the street demonstration could cause the ringgit to slide further.
“No doubt, (the) government will still be standing after Bersih 4's protest. But if the demo causes ringgit to slide a pip or two, more Malaysians won't be!”
The two-day Bersih 4 rally scheduled for this weekend will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and other cities around the world.