(Aug 17): Electoral reforms coalition Bersih 2.0 has deviated from fighting its true case for free and fair election, and is now seeking to topple the government through illegal means, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said today.

Police are keeping a close watch on the group, he said, and warned its leaders to be "very careful" with what they say ahead of the Bersih 4 rally planned for August 29 and 30 in the capital city.

"I warn them to be careful because they are no longer advocating free elections but have deviated from that goal to wanting to topple the government.

"I am giving them a warning not to topple the government through street rallies. We will take pre-emptive measures. We will not tolerate," Khalid told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said police were not against freedom of speech and that they were willing to facilitate the demonstration if it was done according to the law.

Khalid (pic, right) said Bersih 4 should be held in a stadium, saying Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur was not feasible as it would disrupt preparations for Merdeka Day celebrations on August 31.

"Dataran Merdeka and Padang Merbuk are not suitable because of Merdeka Day celebrations. We celebrate it every year. Why must you do it there?," he said.

He added that the most suitable place for such large gathering of 100,000 participants would be the Bukit Jalil stadium.

"Bukit Jalil would be the right place since they say they estimated about 100,000 participants," said Khalid.

Bersih 4 organisers are planning to hold a 34-hour rally in the city to push for institutional reforms following the controversy surrounding debt-ridden 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Noor Rashid last week gave the organisers some "friendly advice", urging them to steer clear from any attempt to "encourage" the public to topple the government through illegal means.

He said police would have to intervene if the gathering turned seditious.

Noor Rashid also reminded the rally organisers that violations could still happen although the right to assembly is allowed under the Federal Constitution. – The Malaysian Insider