King issues statement on Bersih 2.0 rally

KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin has made known his thoughts on the Bersih2.0's proposed rally, saying that street demonstrations will bring more bad than good to the country.

He said he had been following closely the developments concerning the planned rallies and that he was confident the Prime Minister was capable of dealing with the current situation.

The King's remarks were issued through a special statement by Istana Negara yesterday.

Below is the translated full text of the King's statement:

“I am following closely the developments of the proposed gathering and procession by Bersih with the aim of handing over a memorandum to me as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and how the Government, particularly the agencies and departments concerned, is handling the issue.

“However, I believe that the nation's leadership under Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is capable of handling this problem in the best possible way.

“I urge that amid the political fervour of a section of the people to bolster democracy in our country, it must also be ensured that this demand on democracy does not bring destruction to the country.

“Generally, we cannot be following too much the practices in other countries, as harmony and stability are vital foundations for a country and which all quarters must protect.

“I also urge the Government to carry out everything that is entrusted to it by the people in a just and wise manner, and it is important that I, as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, do not want to see this country with a plural society in a situation where there is animosity among them or a section of the people being enemies with the Government, on whatever grounds.

“When any problem arises, we as a civilised society must resolve it through consultations and not follow our emotions, as the Malay saying goes Yang dikejar tak dapat yang dikendong berciciran (Not getting what we chase for and spilling what we carry).

“The fact is, street demonstrations bring more bad than good although the original intention is good. Instead, we should focus on our main objective to develop this country, and not create problems that will cause the country to lag behind.

“Remember that there is no land where the rain does not fall, there is no ocean that is not turbulent. That is how important moderation and compromise is, which has been long in practice by our nation's administration.” - Bernama