KUCHING: The second day for the Sarawak chapter Bersih 4 rally begin with a slow start following poor turnout at the Song Kheng Hai rugby field here.
Apart from the lukewarm response, there were also rumours that the programmes for the second day of the rally has been cancelled due to a clash between event organiser and state DAP leaders.
Bersih 4 spokesperson for the Sarawak chapter, Karen Shepherd refused to comment on such rumours and said that the organiser had only obtained permit to hold the rally for one day.
"Apprently the chief minister (Tan Sri Adenan Satem) gave the permit until the end of yesterday.
"That was what we were informed.
"However, we will remain here as long there are people coming and wanted to talk to us," she said when met at the rugby field.
Karen also declined to comment on the presence of several opposition leaders, mostly Sarawak DAP, who had gave impromptu ceramah during the rally.
She, nonetheless, confirmed that the ceramah was not part of the programme arranged for the rally.
"To be honest, we applaud everybody who wanted to come and support Bersih.
"The event is a Bersih event (rally). It is all about freedom of speech. It (ceramah by opposition members) was not part of the programme but I think everybody deserve a plaform.
"Possibly they should choose their own platform instead of a Bersih platform. But let everybody speak.. I think.”
Chief organiser of Sarawak Bersih 4 Nicholas Mujah, however, had a different story over the proceeding of the rally.
Although he also denied that there was a clash between organiser and state DAP leaders, Nicholas said that the rally was only planned for one day, which was yesterday.
"The rally is only for a day. Today is only meant for the committee to clean the venue," he said.