Saturday, July 9, 2011

A word of appreciation from the BERSIH Steering Committe

Bersih 2.0 is proud that in spite of all the obstacles and hindrances that we were forced to face, Malaysians of all walks of life overcame the oppressive acts of the police to come out peacefully and in incredibly large numbers to show their love for their country and for the principles of justice.

We are nonetheless horrified that several hundred people have been detained, many of them without any justification whatsoever. We particularly condemn the arrests of Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevesan and Maria Chin Abdullah, 2 members of the Bersih 2.0 Steering Committee.

The only violence witnessed was perpetrated by the police, who unleashed immense amounts of tear gas and chemical laced water on innocent members of the public. Police also baton charged those who gathered, injuring many and some very seriously.

In one of the worst acts of violence, POLICE FIRED TEAR GAS INTO THE COMPOUND OF TUNG SHIN HOSPITAL, SEVERELY JEOPARDIZING THE HEALTH NOT ONLY OF THE RAKYAT WHO HAD SOUGHT REFUGE THERE, BUT THE PATIENTS AS WELL. This was one of only various acts of totally unwarranted violence by the police against a rakyat who had exercised their constitutional right to gather peacefully.

We are especially proud of the great discipline and peacefulness shown by all the brave Malaysian who dared to stand up today for what was right.

Today’s gathering is not the end, it is but one more step in the long walk for clean and fair elections in Malaysia. The campaign continues, to work for electoral reform, the release of all detainees, and an end to harassment by the authorities. The struggle continues in the courts of law, the corridors of power, and the hearts of all the rakyat.

Althought our attempt to submit a memorandum to DYMM SPB YDP Agong did not take place today, we will make appropriate arrangements to deliver the memorandum when the police have calmed down.

In the meantime, we call on all Malaysians to continue to work to peacefully achieve clean and fair electoral process in our country. Inspired by their bravery and steadfast commitment, we will never rest in our efforts to work together as one people to bring about a better Malaysia.

Released by,

Steering Committee

Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0)

The Steering Committee of BERSIH 2.0 comprises

Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan (Chairperson), Andrew Khoo, Arul Prakkash, Arumugam K., Dr Farouk Musa, Haris Ibrahim, Liau Kok Fah, Maria Chin Abdullah, Richard Y W Yeoh, Dr Subramaniam Pillay, Dato’ Dr Toh Kin Woon, Dr Wong Chin Huat, Dato’ Yeo Yang Poh dan Zaid Kamaruddin.

[Please note the caps are my own].

The KFC Scandal

After seeing this video, do you still want to eat at KFC?


Why is it called KFC now and not "Kentucky Fried Chicken"? Heard a strange tale behind this change of name. Anyone care to tell?

Pak Samad: Agong is expecting our petition


National laureate A Samad Said claimed that the Agong has agreed to receive the petition from Bersih 2.0 delegation today, but the police had stopped them.

He said during the audience with the Agong this Tuesday, His Majesty had allowed them to submit the memorandum on electoral reform today.

NONE"He said 'can'. That is why I followed (the delegation) to submit the petition," Samad (right) told the media during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

"I had decided to write a letter to the Agong later to inform him that the Agong's readiness to receive the petition was not properly handled by the police...

"It is not my fault but the police's," explained the septuagenarian.

He slammed the violence used by police during the rally, describing it as the fiercest brutality he has ever seen.

“I noticed the shooting of tear gas was random and rough. I saw women fallling and chaos. I have never seen this before.

“Although I had been through the attack of tear gas before, this was the cruellest gas,” he said.

(Samad had joined the March 2009 mass gathering to protest the government's policy on the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English or PPSMI.)

NONEHowever, Samad complimented the crowd for their ethnic diversity.

“I have never seen before all the races from all walks of life, at almost every place. So I consider not just Malays, not just Chinese, but all Malaysians (had joined the rally),” he added.

According to Bersih 2.0 steering committee member K Arumugam, who was present at the press conference, Samad had marched 8km today with the crowd.

He claimed that Samad had lost his shoes during the havoc and was forced to walk on bare feet until someone gave him a simple pair of slippers which he wore until the end of the rally.

[Source: Mkini]

Video: The July 9 Event in Kuala Lumpur






And in Singapore .....

Protests in Sydney, Australia

Bersih Sydney - You Little Brown Eyes You at Sydney Town Hall, July 9 2011


FROM HOBART, TASMANIA

M'sians in Hong Kong condemn KL crackdown

About 80 Malaysians marched through central Hong Kong today to support a simultaneous mass rally for electoral reforms back home where riot police fired tear gas and water cannon.

NONEHundreds of people have been arrested in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, after they defied baton-carrying riot officers and joined thousands of others in attempts to rally in a stadium to demand free and fair elections.

Wearing yellow T-shirts, the colour of poll reforms group Bersih 2.0, which means clean, that organised the Malaysian rally, the group in Hong Kong chanted slogans and submitted a memorandum to the Malaysian consulate.

"We, Malaysians residing in Hong Kong, support Bersih 2.0 call for free and fair elections," spokesman Brandon Tan said, as he condemned the violence by Malaysian police and said he was "very upset" over the mass arrests.

"They should learn from the Hong Kong police. They escorted us, helped us and gave us guidance as we marched through the city," said the 36-year-old.

NONEThe rally in Hong Kong was part of a global demonstration simultaneously planned for 30 cities in support of Bersih 2.0, including in Australia, Japan, France, the United States, United Kingdom, South Korea and Taiwan.

Malaysia's opposition made unprecedented gains in 2008 elections against the ruling coalition but said they could have won more if elections rules were fair.

The country's next elections are widely expected to be called early next year.

- AFP


Latest: Ambiga released, says Malaysians no longer afraid

Bersih chief, Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, was released by police at 6.30 pm this evening and declared that Malaysians have shown courage in the face of government intimidation.

She said the "amazing" turnout was a sign that "we do not want to be bullied anymore. Rough intimidation does not work anymore."

The former Bar Council President said Bersih has become more than just an electoral reform movement and now represents the public's wish for a mature democratic process.

Al Jazeera reports

Sabah police in surprise raid on SAPP HQ


Read this and tell me whether the government is nothing more than a bunch of idiots.


KOTA KINABALU: The word ‘Bersih’ (clean) will need some cleaning up after police found it inappropriate to be used on a signboard here.

Police in a midnight operation at the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) headquarters in the city questioned officials on a signpost painted with the Malay slogan “Bersih, Berani and Benar” (Clean, Brave and Truth).

They were particularly focussed on the word Bersih and demanded to know why it was used.

“The police personnel questioned why we use the word Bersih, why the background is yellow and why we choose July 9 to launch our online radio and TV,” said SAPP youth leader Chester Pang.

SAPP Women wing chief Melanie Chia, who rushed to headquarters after being alerted that about 20 police personnel were questioning its youth members in a surprise visit just after midnight, said this was harassment.

Chia said she rushed to the scene together with her husband, Edwin Liew, after she was informed that several police officers were questioning party members hours before the launch of its online radio and TV, Sabahtv.net, at 1pm today.

She was informed by Pang that one of the police officers approached him and questioned him over the design and the Malay slogan in its signboard put up outside its headquarters to mark the launching ceremony.

The group of police officers left about an hour later when they saw Chia and her husband arrive.

“Why is the Barisan Nasional government so paranoid of the word Bersih and yellow colour? What’s wrong with them?” asked Chia.

She said this paranoid display contradicted BN government’s constant projection of itself as a “Bersih, Cekap dan Amanah” (Clean, Efficient and Trustworthy) government, a slogan introduced and promoted by the former prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammed, when he became the Prime Minister of Malaysia back in 1981.

“Don’t tell me the present BN government has now completely forgotten about its very own slogan or that it has transformed into an “Unclean, Inefficient and Untrustworthy” government? Is this what the current prime minister meant by Government Transformation (Program),” she asked.

City Hall has no objection

Chia advised party members and the public not to be easily intimidated by the police and assured that they have no right to demand for the removal of the signboard as it was beyond their jurisdiction.

“The display of signboard comes under the jurisdiction of the DBKK (Kota Kinabalu City Hall), and in as far as we are concerned, they have not objected to it.”

Chia also noted that the government had now banned two words in two years. The other is Allah.

Since last year the government has banned the use of the word ‘Allah’ by the non-Muslims in Peninsular Malaysia.

Several of the party members remained at the headquarters to prevent any attempt to deface the signboard and the screen which will be used today.

The venue has become a ‘hotspot’ in the ongoing crackdown on the Bersih 2.0 campaign nationwide that is scheduled for today.

The rally

Some pix taken from Dataran Merdeka

captioncaptioncaptioncaptioncaptioncaptioncaptioncaptioncaption

Khalid Samad and Anwar Ibrahim are casualties and are now in hospital

Khalid Samad, the PAS MP for Shah Alam, has been shot in the back with a tear gas cannister. He is reported to be in critical condition and is now warded in a nearby hospital.

Anwar Ibrahim has been hit in the face with a gas canister. Ambulance took him and two others on stretchers from the KL Hilton to the Pantai Hospital accompanied by the MMA [Malaysian Medical Association] president.


Joint Statement by Global BERSIH 2.0

With updated list of BERSIH hotspots around the world.

The BERSIH 2.0 Global Solidarity Network strongly supports the BERSIH 2.0 rally for Clean and Fair Elections in Malaysia on the 9th of July 2011.

We urge all Malaysians abroad to unite in solidarity with our Malaysian brothers and sisters at home by joining BERSIH 2.0 walks and other events in cities across the world (see below for complete list).

Malaysians have the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech in keeping with international human rights norms.

As citizens, we demand free and fair elections, which provide the foundation a better, more democratic Malaysia. We support BERSIH 2.0’s eight points of electoral reform and call in addition for a ninth: suffrage for Malaysians residing abroad.

We, ordinary Malaysian citizens around the world, are supporting BERSIH 2.0 because we can and because we should. We believe that the future of Malaysia belongs to all our children and that together we can ensure that the legacy we leave them is a beautiful and just one. We are speaking out because we live in open democracies where the freedoms of speech and of peaceful assembly
and the right to demonstrate are the norm rather than the exception.

As is the case with the rally in Kuala Lumpur, we intend to gather peacefully and with dignity, and we shall do so without fear of water cannon, tear gas, police intimidation and brutality, or arbitrary arrest for dressing in yellow. Wherever we may be, we shall be wearing yellow T-shirts and carrying yellow banners, balloons and placards with peaceful slogans in support of clean and fair elections in Malaysia. We shall be bringing our family members both young and old.

Together with Malaysians all over the world, we urge the Najib government to support electoral reform. Clean and fair elections are essential to developing a mature and open democracy, and to safeguard the integrity of our nation for future generations.

We call on the Prime Minister to respect DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong's advice to His Majesty’s government to ‘show prudence and fairness in carrying out the duties entrusted to it by the Malaysian people’. We also urge the federal government and the Inspector-General of Police to follow this advice by releasing all those detained in connection with BERSIH 2.0, and stop
the ongoing, systematic harassment of BERSIH 2.0 supporters.

It is not too late for the Prime Minister to fulfil his duties and responsibilities in a manner that becomes his office and to allow this gathering to proceed peacefully in recognition of the will of the people. With the proper cooperation of all government agencies, we are confident the gathering will be nothing more and nothing less than a peaceful expression of a just and legitimate cause.

The eyes of the world are now on the Prime Minister and his government, in this pivotal moment that will surely define his legacy in the eyes of Malaysians as well as citizens and governments the world over. We urge him to rise to the occasion.

Press contact:
Nathaniel Tan, nat@renyi.net, +6012 318 2165
Ginie Lim, ginielim@gmail.com, +44 586 083 488
Global BERSIH 2.0 events in support of the BERSIH 2.0 gathering in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Country Time Location Facebook URL Contact Person

1 New Zealand 02:00PM Wellington – Malaysian High Commission
http://on.fb.me/jMlCwc Danielle Ng Tallon
danros20@gmail.com

2 Australia 12:30PM Canberra –Parliament Front Entrance
http://on.fb.me/kBLI2H David Teoh david.teoh@gmail.com

3 Australia 02:00PM Sydney – Sydney CBD Town Hall http://on.fb.me/j0RzYt David Teoh david.teoh@gmail.com

4 Australia 01:30PM Melbourne – Federation Square
http://on.fb.me/j0rDf1 David Teoh david.teoh@gmail.com

5 Australia 01:30PM Hobart - Parliament House Lawns, Salamanca Place
http://on.fb.me/jP0MWL Jason Lee
jasonleecj@gmail.com

6 Australia 01:30PM Perth – Malaysian Consulate-
General, 252 Adelaide Terrace
http://on.fb.me/lihTnU David Teoh david.teoh@gmail.com

7 Australia 02:00PM Adelaide – Victoria square, Adelaide
http://on.fb.me/klaDdS Maverick Loh
maverickloh@hotmail.com

8 Australia 11:00AM Brisbane – Brisbane Square http://on.fb.me/imhKwv Calvyn Tan
http://facebook.com/calvyn.tan

9 Japan 03:00PM Osaka – Tower of the Sun http://on.fb.me/mUGxvB Satya Arjunan
satya.arjunan@gmail.com

10 Korea 03:00PM Seoul - Gwanghwamun Subway
Station, Exit 6
http://on.fb.me/lgB4oQ Alfian Tahir
alfian_zohri@yahoo.com
Thency Gunasekaran
thency@gmail.com

11 Taiwan 02:00PM Taipei - The National Chiang Kaishek Memorial Hall, Liberty Square,Taipei
http://on.fb.me/mIEOGW KM Chan
qiminchan@hotmail.com

12 Hong Kong 03:00PM Malaysian Consulate 50 Gloucester Rd
http://on.fb.me/lxYT2E Sze Wei zweiang@hotmail.com

13 Malaysia 02:00PM Kota Kinabalu, Sabah http://tinyurl.com/5rvefz3 Dave McLaren
lmcmcwest69@gmail.com

14 Switzerland 02:00PM Zurich - Bahnhoffstrasse, Zurich, opposite Feldpausch
http://on.fb.me/lQq8qB Bala Chelliah
bala.chelliah@bluewin.ch

15 Sweden 01:00PM Stockholm - Malaysian embassy, Stockholm Karlavägen 37
http://on.fb.me/kfrxAK

16 France 02:00PM Paris – Parvis des Droits de l’Homme, Place du Trocadéro
http://on.fb.me/joKlVQ Charis Quay
cquayhl@stanfordalumni.org

17 England (UK) 12:00PM London – Malaysian High Commission, Belgrave Square
http://on.fb.me/kQ9fsQ Yolanda Augustin
yolanda_augustin04@yahoo.com

18 Scotland (UK) 12:00PM 10/7/11
Glasgow - George Square http://on.fb.me/kAefYr Mesoul Bin Safie
mesoul@gmail.com

19 Ireland (UK and Republic)
TBC 9/7/11 - Dublin, Belfast
10/7/11 – Cork, Limerick
http://tinyurl.com/68trlxm Bakhtiar Hasnawi
bakhtiar.hasnawi@yahoo.com

20 Canada 09:00AM Ottawa – Parliament Hill http://on.fb.me/kb5OY4 Angeline Woon
angeline.aubry@gmail.com

21 United States 10:00AM New York City – Consulate General of Malaysia,
313 East 43rd Street
http://on.fb.me/lWrJ8l Leng Feng Lee
llee3@buffalo.edu

22 United States 02:00PM Washington DC – Embassy of Malaysia,
Washington ,3516 International
Court Northwest
http://on.fb.me/l9XgH0 John Lee johnleemk@gmail.com

23 United States 09:30AM San Francisco – Chrissy Field Picnic Area, Presidio
http://on.fb.me/jehClH Chong Pin Lim
http://facebook.com/chongpin

24 United States 12:00PM Los Angeles – Pershing Square, Downtown LA
532 South Olive Street
http://on.fb.me/iBJgM3 James Cheng
http://facebook.com/chenglf

25 United States 12:00PM Chicago - Milennium Park (Cloud Gate / The Bean)
http://on.fb.me/rjGpaq Andrew Loh
andrewlza@gmail.com

BERSIH 2.0 - The day has arrived. The final countdown

Photos taken this morning

BERSIH 2.0 -Showdown at Menara Maybank



Thousands have started marching towards Stadium Merdeka and are currently at Menara Maybank to meet other groups there.

The police have started firing tear gas and their water cannons at the crowd.

The protesters, who came together from various locations, were chanting, among others, “Hidup Rakyat” and “Bersih”.

According to reports from the ground, the crowd could be as big as 10,000 and the number was expected to grow as more groups of protesters join in.

At Pudu Plaza, more than 1,000 are also heading towards Stadium Merdeka. DAP MP Tony Pua estimated the figure to be at 3,000.

Chants of “Bersih” and “Hancur BN, Hidup Rakyat” reveberates as many of the protesters wave the Malaysian flag, drawings cheers and applause from onlookers.


MAYHEM AT MAYBANK

Tens of thousands linked arms and marched towards riot police firing water cannons near Jalan Pudu in heavy rain, an hour after a similar incident at the Maybank headquarters as the crowd took all roads and paths towards Stadium Merdeka calling for free and fair elections.

A violent scuffle broke out earlier, leaving one man bleeding from the head. Police had warned the crowd to disperse, saying it was an illegal rally but the crowd continued to march. Police are now firing tear gas at the crowd.

An hour ago, the riot police continued firing the water cannons as they retreated from the crowd at the Maybank heaquarters. The crowd later ran into the Menara Maybank carpark, with some sharing salt to nullify the effects of chemical-laced water. Riot police later ordered the crowd to disperse but thousands remain around the area. At least five men were seen kneeling in prayer at a patch of green near the headquarters of the country's biggest lender.

Earlier reports said tear gas was fired to disperse a large group gathered near the Bar Council building on Leboh Pasar Besar.

On a live video stream of the rally online, the crowd was seen covering their faces and fleeing the scene as plumes of gas wafted towards them.

Earlier today, PAS vice presidents Datuk Mahfuz Omar and Salahuddin Ayub were picked up by police shortly after noon at the KL Sentral transport hub, before they could make their way to the rally. Deputy president Mohamad Sabu was later confirmed by police as having been arrested.

The trio were in the list of 91 individuals banned from entering Kuala Lumpur and among 540 would-be Bersih supporters arrested so far.

Police subsequently also detained KuantanMP Fuziah Salleh, PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, and PKR supreme council member Khalid Jaafar as they attempted to join the rally.

Thousands have already taken over the streets along the narrow lanes of Kuala Lumpur and historic areas across the city centre, as the Bersih 2.0’s march for electoral reform entered into full swing.

Pockets of supporters that began gathering at various checkpoints including Petaling Street, Jalan Pudu, Pasar Seni and Brickfields are now moving towards the historic Merdeka stadium, chanting as they march.

The movement’s leader Bersih 2.0 chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenavasan and other Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders including Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Saifuddin Nasution, Khalid Samad and R. Sivarasa are gathered KL Hilton Hotel in KL Sentral.

Light Strike Force (LSF) personnel and scores of police personnel are already surrounding the prestigious hotel, waiting for the leaders to begin their march towards the stadium.

Today, Ambiga criticised the crackdown against the rally, pointing out that they asked for clean and fair elections.

"The cause of Bersih has been taken over even before the first step. What is the necessity for this show of might over the show of right? Right will always win out," she told a packed press conference.

"It has stirred a sense of outrage against the government who live in a timewarp, who do not realise that their strategies do not work anymore. You cannot quell our voices, you used might of the state against the rakyat... it is totally uncalled for," added Ambiga, who was flanked by members of the Bersih 2.0 steering committee.

BERSIH 2.0 - It has started!

At least five marches have broke out in Petaling Street, near Daya Bumi Complex, Masjid Jamek, Pudu and Sogo and the police have responded by firing tear gas.LIVE REPORTS

12.20pm: Pudu Plaza - At Jalan Landak, Pudu, some 200 people have started to gather, preparing for the rally.

Police are scattered about, searching the protestors' bags and belongings without any further action.

NONEA small quarrel breaks out between protestors and Pudu security personnel when they try to chase them away.

Some foodstalls and restaurants are still operating, and a durian stall is seen offering protestors a taste of their wares.

DAP leaders who have shown up include Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun, PJ Utara MP Tony Pua, Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching, Bukit Bendera MP Liew Ching Tong, Segambut MP Lim Lip Éng, Beruas MP Ngeh Koo Ham, Selangor exco Ean Yong Hian Wah, Lukut Adun Ean Yong Tin Sin, Pasir Pinjir Adun Thomas Soo, Bahau Adun Teo Kok Seong.

12.45pm: Dataran Merdeka - Police have fired tear gas at a group of protestors who are marching towards the area. The tear gas cannisters landed near the Bar Council building.

This group is believed to have marched from the former KTM headquarters nearby. The crowd is estimated at 1,000 people.

NONE12.50pm: About 3,000 to 4,000 people are marching from Petaling Street in downtown Kuala Lumpur to Stadium Negara.

They are chanting "Bersih, Bersih, Pilihanraya" and "Hidup, Hidup, Rakyat".

Six middle-aged protestors began a rendition of Negaraku, which immediately received a strong response from the crowd, which sing along.

Dr Wong Fort Pin, one of the six singers, said they are celebrating peace.

"We are walking for a better Malaysia," he said.

12.51pm:
Hilton Hotel - PKR leaders Nurul Izzah Anwar, Syed Husin Ali, Lateefah Koya arrive in Anwar Ibrahim's hotel room. Local and foreign media are at the lobby.

NONE12.55pm: Pudu Plaza - DAP leader Teresa Kok is defying her ban and leading protesters to start the march towards Merdeka Stadium.

The crowd is shouting, "Bersih, bersih," "Hidup rakyat" , "Rakyat sudah bangun," and "Daulat Tuanku."

The have at press time reached Shaw Parade, with no sign yet of any police interference.

The crowd soon swells to two thousand, with the DAP-led march cleverly sticking to tourist spots at Sungei Wang and Low Yat Plaza past Federal Hotel to foil police action.

They are also sending motorcycle recces to keep them informed of police presence ahead.

NONE1pm: Masjid Jamek- The crowd here has grown to about 1,000 people and the are beginning to march.

Earlier, a student was hit by a tear gas cannister. He refused to have his photograph taken due to his status.

1.10pm: Masjid Negara - The mosque is mostly empty. Some are complaining that the toilets are locked.

1.14pm: A fake Twitter account @bersihrally have appeared, apparently created only at 9.42 this morning.

Claiming to provide "live coverage of the Bersih 2.0 rally, with multiple small groups of volunteers in the field reporting" it has since provided false accounts of the goings-on at the current Bersih 2.0 rally.

Among some of the allegations are looting in Pasar Seni, clashes with the police at KLCC as well as shots being fired in Bangsar.

After being 'outed' by other Twitter users, @bersihrally finally posted a message: "Took you guys long enough to figure it out. I've done my job. Thanks for playing."

1.15pm: Official police figures - 514 arrested. 478 males, 36 females.

1.20pm: Masjid Jamek - There is a standoff here. The growingNONEcrowd continues chanting while the police are awaiting reinforcements.

1.21am: Top Bersih leaders Ambiga Sreenevasan, Haris Ibrahim, Wong Chin Huat and A Samad Said are in Hilton Hotel. They are with politicians William Leong, Kamaruddin Jaafar, Zaid Kamaruddin, Syed Azman Syed Nawawi and Tian Chua. They join Anwar Ibrahim who is in the hotel.

It is confirmed PKR deputy president Azmin Ali has been arrested and was brought to Pulapol (Police Training Centre). Earlier, PAS vice-presidents Mahfuz Omar and Salahuddin Ayub were also arrested.

NONE1.22pm: Petaling Street - The group of a few thousand which is marching to Stadium Negara turn back to Jalan Tan Cheng Lock after encountering a roadblock.

A large group of Sarawakians are chanting 'Hidup Sarawak', receiving applause from the rest.

1.30pm: Malaysia Hotel - About 500 Umno Youth members have gathered at Jalan Bukit Bintang. They are all wearing red T-shirts with the word 'Patriot'. These T-shirts are also being given out to the public, including tourist.

NONEThe Umno Youth rally is aided with a pickup truck. Speakers would give speeches from the back of the truck and throw down T-shirts.

Among those present are Umno Youth leaders Arman Azhar, Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Zaki Zahid but there is no sign of the movement's leader Khairy Jamaluddin. His officers insist he will show up later.

The group is currently stationary and chanting "Hancur Bersih" and "Who are me? Patriot!". They narrowly missed a Bersih 2.0 procession by about 10 minutes.

1.33pm: Jalan Tun Perak - PAS leader Dr Hatta Ramli with a loudspeaker tells the crowd of at least 4,000 that party vice-president Mahfuz Omar and about 300 others have been arrested.

"The rakyat's struggle requires sacrifices... Those under 40 here have never seen real democracy in this country," he said.

NONEThe crowd reply with "Allahuakbar".

There are traffic marshals from Bersih also directing the crowd to make way for vehicles passing through.

1.35pm: Press statement by IPK KL.

Thus far, 540 people have been arrested (479 male, 58 women, three juvenile) have been arrested for further investigation.

Among the arrested, 11 were wearing yellow Bersih T-shirt and one was wearing a red Patriot T-shirt.

Meanwhile, three individuals believed to be leaders or organisers of the rally were also arrested. They are PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, and party veeps Salahuddin Ayub, Mahfuz Omar.

1.36pm: Hilton Sentral - S Ambiga says, “the cause of Bersih has been achieved, even before we have taken the first step.”

She said the authorities use of force was useless against the people's will. “No matter what right will always prevail.”

Slamming the mass arrests, Ambiga said their original goals of rallying for electoral reform has grown into something bigger as it has stirred emotions amongst “right thinking rakyat”.

“First, it has stirred a sense of outrage against the exhibition of raw power by our government, that seems to be living in a time warp.

“Secondly, it has stirred in us (the desire) to bring back a sense of balance and decency into our government,” she said.

Thirdly, she said the rakyat are beginning to feel empowered to make change, despite police “intimidation”.

“You cannot quell the voices,” she said.

NONE1.38pm: LRT Masjid Jamek - A police officer with loudhailer announced: “Perhimpunan hari in tak ada kebenaran jadi diminta semua bersurai serta merta atau kami suraikan dengan kekerasan.”

The officer also gave three minutes for the crowd to disperse.

This was met with “takbir” and jeers from the crowd, numbering about more than 500 people.

1.40pm: Menara Maybank - Water cannons unleashed on more than 1,000 protestors.

1.43pm: Masjid Jamek - A group of about 10 general duty police officers with gas masks chased after the protesters who ran helter skelter into Masjid India area. [Watch video - 17 sec]

1.44pm: Menara Maybank - Water cannon truck fires at the crowd a second time, this time with chemical laced irritants mixed with blue dye.

Instead of dispersing, the crowd charged forward. Some were seen hitting the water cannon truck with their bare fist.

This was met with another round of tear gas. The tear gas managed to disperse the crowd slowly.

1.52pm: Masjid Jamek - There are at least four police trucks stationed at Masjid Jamek LRT station.

Crowd has been dispersed by the police tear gas for now, but it is expected they will be regrouped later.

1.55pm: It begins raining in Kuala Lumpur.

1.57pm: Malaysia Hotel - Khairy Jamaluddin appears at the Umno Youth rally and gives out a short speech. He said that Bersih 2.0 cannot be supported because it is infiltrated by opposition parties.

He then leads the crowd in a march towards Stadium Merdeka. They will likely bump into the Bersih 2.0 crowd.

BERSIH 2.0 - The gathering in Melbourne


Date: 9 July 2011 Time: 3pm Venue: Malaysian High Commission, 4-1 Hannam-dong, 140-210, Seoul

Date:9 July 2011 Time: 12.00pm Venue: Malaysian Consulate in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney (simultaneous)

Date: 9 July 2011 Time: 3.00pm Venue: Tower of the Sun, Osaka

Date: 9 July 2011 Time: 10.00am Venue: Consulate General of Malaysia,550 South Hope Street,Suite 400, Los Angeles

Date: 9 July 2011 Time: 9.30am Venue: Chrissy Field Picnic Area, Presidio, San Francisco

Date: 9 July 2011 Time: 10.00am Venue: Consulate General of Malaysia, 313 East 43rd Street, New York

Switch on car lights to show support

Meanwhile, PKR leaders have urged all citizens who support free and fair elections to switch on their car headlights the whole day today.

"There are many ways to show support and for those unable to come to KL, whether they are in KK, Kuching, Labis, Kuala Pilah or whichever part of Malaysia, this is one way," Vernon Kedit, another leader from PKR Sarawak told Malaysia Chronicle.

Number of arrests so far since last night - at least 10 but many have been released

"If police stops you and and checks bag, just relax and mentally note down name of the officers, details. Don't fight or scold and if they arrest you, just SMS or Twiiter your details," said PKR director for legal affairs Latheefa Koya.

The Bar Council has set up an Urgent Arrest Team, and will be on standby to help those detained. A separate Monitoring Team will also be watching out for human rights violations.

The numbers to call are Stephanie at 016-343 5202, Leena at 012-284 1895, Jeeva at 019-635 3151 and Ravin at 019-325 5825.