Bersih 2.0

The Bersih 2.0 rally  was organised by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih), was supported by opposition party, but was deemed illegal by the government. Bersih, chaired by former president of the Bar Council Ambiga Sreenevasan, were pushing the Election Commission of Malaysia (EC) to ensure free and fair elections in Malaysia. It demanded that the EC clean up the electoral roll, reform postal voting, use indelible ink, introduce a minimum 21-day campaign period, allow all parties free access to the media, and put an end to electoral fraud.

The rally was attended by more than 20,000 people, who entered the city from various points. However, the protestors were unable to congregate at Merdeka Stadium as many were forced to disperse by police who were heavily deployed throughout the city. Police arrested more than 1,600 protestors, including Ambiga and several opposition figures.

Supporter of Bersih arrested during rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

Police rush to arrest a supporter of Bersih during rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

Supporter of Bersih queue to buy drinks at the mini mart during rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

Police helicopter flying low during Bersih rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

Supporters of Bersih gathered infront of FRU during rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

Supporters of Bersih louds during rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

Supporters of Bersih make hand signing during rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

Supporter of Bersih arrested during rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

Supporter of Bersih arrested during rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

Suppoter of Bersih kick back a tear gas to FRU during rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

The sick supporter join the Bersih rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

A reporter injured during clash with riot at Bersih rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

Supporters of Bersih gathered infront of FRU during rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

Supporter of Bersih arrested during rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

Supporter of Bersih breathless during rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

Supporter of Bersih breathless during rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011.

Photo by Adi Safri