 PETALING JAYA: Bersih has thrown its weight behind the planned anti-Goods and Service Tax (GST) rally, calling on the public to show up to pressure for better living conditions for workers. The election watchdog group issued a press release today saying it was in full support of the May 1 rally and the issues it champions. “Long before there were Bersih rallies, Malaysia had Workers’ Day rallies that continue this year as per tradition on International Workers’ Day,” Bersih said. “We note that Workers’ Day has grown from being an occasion for workers to commemorate the struggle for decent working conditions to one that seeks to address policies that affect workers’ living conditions. “This is reflected in the broad range of issues raised by the rally organiser, Jawatankuasa Mei 1, from the opposition to GST and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement to the push for women, indigenous, students and migrants rights as well as minimum wages.” Bersih said the anti-GST rally was occasioned by national problems that had come about because elections were rigged to place in power a coalition that did not have the public’s mandate. “We will join the rest of civil society on May 1 at KLCC, 2pm, to march to our intended destination—Dataran Merdeka,” it added. “We urge everyone, as Malaysians and as workers, to come to the ground for this rally and call for the advancement of the rights of workers.” The rally is organised by a coalition of 89 NGOs and has received support from Pakatan Rakyat. Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar has indicated that his department would allow the rally to go ahead as long as the organisers obtain the necessary approvals. However, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor has said Kuala Lumpur City Hall would not approve the use of Dataran Merdeka. FMT
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