Videos of Dataran demo to be aired

KUALA LUMPUR - Video recordings of the Bersih 3.0 demonstrations at Dataran Merdeka will be aired on television to allow the rakyat to judge the event for themselves, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"The rakyat is demanding transparency, thus we will show all the recordings to allow them to judge what had happened that day," he told reporters after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting here last night.

He said the move was necessary as there were groups who had been trying to sway public opinion on the protests by portraying the demonstrations with half-truths and accusations which appeared in the Internet and social media websites.

"The outcome of the rally had, to some extent, damaged the country's image internationally," he added.

Although Bersih co-chairman Datuk S. Ambiga had admitted of "losing control" of the initially peaceful event, Najib said action must be taken against those involved according to the rule of law and not carried out as a result of emotional sentiments.

Najib also commended the authorities, especially the police, for dealing with the protests professionally in accordance with the laws related to freedom and peaceful assembly.

"The police had strong grounds to take firm action against the protesters who had turned unruly and were driven by a mob mentality because there was the possibility that they would refuse to disperse even after clearly being ordered to do so," he added.

On reports of several journalists and media photographers who were allegedly assaulted by policemen, Najib gave the assurance that a full investigation would be carried out and appropriate action taken.

"There will be no cover-up. Rest assured that I too am concerned at the well-being of journalists who are merely carrying out their duties," he said, adding that the investigation would be impartial.