Bersih 2.0 warns of telco, Internet blackout


Malaysiakini | Jul 7, 11

With less than 48 hours to the Bersih 2.0 rally, the movement now claims to have received information that the mobile phone networks and Internet services would be suspended this weekend.

In a statement today, the Bersih 2.0 steering committee said that such a measures to frustrate the rally would make the authorities no different from Middle-Eastern dictators.

“Bersih 2.0 is alarmed by intelligence that there might be a full or partial clampdown on the Internet as we approach this weekend.

“Bersih 2.0 warns the federal government that should access to the mobile phone networks, the Internet, mobile 3G services, specific websites or social media be compromised in any way, then the authorities will look absolutely no different from the Middle-Eastern dictators who have used the same measures with no success whatsoever,” it said.

The steering committee said repression, intimidation and other obstacles will not deter the movement’s resolve to gather at Stadium Merdeka at 2pm on Saturday.

“After which, we will disperse just as peacefully,” read the statement.

Should any of such repressive measures come into effect, the authorities would be seen as desperate and show an inclination towards unwarranted extremes in preventing free and fair elections.

‘Enter KL before Saturday’

Meanwhile, the steering committee is also urging the rally participants to enter Kuaal Lumpur today or tomorrow in view of an expected tight clampdown of the city centre by tomorrow.

“Observing the shocking fact that bus permits to Kuala Lumpur have already been frozen, plans seem to be well in place to make entering (the city on Saturday) as difficult as humanly possible,” he said.

Police have been mounting roadblocks during rush hour traffic since yesterday, ostensibly to check for weapons and weed out possible protestors.

Additionally, Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairperson Syed Hamid Albar has also confirmed that temporary bus permits would not be issued for busses entering Kuala Lumpur this weekend.

However, Syed Hamid said that this was not a new directive in view of the rally and that it was a policy not to issue such permits during non-festival seasons.

After being granted an audience with the Agong, Bersih 2.0 has agreed to government suggestions to hold the rally in a stadium and not on the streets.

  1. #1 by yhsiew on Thursday, 7 July 2011 - 4:00 pm

    That would scare off foreign investors and tourists.

  2. #2 by monsterball on Thursday, 7 July 2011 - 4:08 pm

    News are getting more and more sickening….first defying the Agong… warning civil servants not to attend….and we are warned…hand phones won’t work this weekend.
    Cleanliness is next to godliness.
    Now w can see what kind of dirty hearts these people have.

  3. #3 by dagen on Thursday, 7 July 2011 - 4:51 pm

    Umno is disobeying the agung!

  4. #4 by Bigjoe on Thursday, 7 July 2011 - 5:06 pm

    This did not surprise me as the restriction order for 91 individuals.. A court order to stay away from an entire city…Wow. What happened to freedom of association? Can be elected frogs but citizens can be stopped from going to city???

  5. #5 by bruno on Thursday, 7 July 2011 - 5:14 pm

    Umno don’t never hide under a lady’s skirt.Be a man and come play the game on a level playing field.For once in your life show the rakyat that you guys got real marbles.

  6. #6 by bruno on Thursday, 7 July 2011 - 5:21 pm

    Najib and Hisham,don’t trip while you guys are walking.If you cousins trip and fall down Muhyidin will just walk past over you.

  7. #7 by isahbiazhar on Thursday, 7 July 2011 - 7:17 pm

    No matter what the government does, the gathering should not be cancelled.They can block the tele networks in the country but it is already well reported overseas.The government had shown that they are mightier than the people.Najib might declare an emergency and start operasi “Bersih”.Millions can die but the truth will prevail.

  8. #8 by raven77 on Thursday, 7 July 2011 - 9:02 pm

    Every civil servant that follows the orders of such an unpopular government that daily watches its people grind for a living …..will pay the price…

    Look at Egypt..look at Tunisia…and now look at Sudan…..

    After Saturday, there will be a new Malaysia….

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