Media statement by Lim Kit Siang at Sandakan Airport on Monday, 4^th July 2011: 

King’s concern most welcome – call on Najib to meet with Berish organisers as the first positive government response to popular concerns for free and fair elections

The Yang di Pertuan Agong’s concern over the “binge of madness” in the country arising from the July 9 Bersih 2.0 peaceful rally for free, fair and clean general elections is most appropriate and welcome.

Lets not doubt the loyalty and patriotism of Malaysians who want to see free and fair general elections – which is the highest form of love, loyalty and patriotism to Malaysia.

As a first positive step in response to the Yang di Pertuan Agong’s concern and call that Malaysia must always conduct itself as “a civilised society” grounded on consultations with all stakeholders in the country, the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak should meet with Bersih organisers to address legitimate nation-wide concerns about free and fair elections which could be fully taken account in the forthcoming 13th General Elections.

As a second positive step, the Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin should lift the ban on Bersih 2.0 and release all persons, including the MP for Sungei Siput Dr. Michael Jayakumar, detained in the past week of high-handed “madness” over the Bersih 2.0 rally.

*Lim Kit Siang, DAP Parliamentary Leader & MP for Ipoh Timor